Pro Ref, the organization representing Premier League referees, has apologized to Manchester United after acknowledging that VAR incorrectly allowed Erling Haaland’s winning goal in Manchester City’s 1-0 victory at Old Trafford.
Haaland put City ahead in the 60th minute, finishing at the far post after Josko Gvardiol’s cross took a deflection.
The goal, however, came despite the assistant referee initially raising his flag for offside. VAR Matthew Donohue and assistant VAR Blake Antrobus overturned the on-field decision, ruling that City midfielder Enzo Fernández was not actively involved in the play and had not interfered with the action in the middle of the penalty area.
United manager Michael Carrick described the decision as "worrying," while defender Lisandro Martínez, who had challenged Fernández for the ball, labelled it an "injustice."
Pro Ref has now admitted that the decision was a mistake, in what could be considered one of the most significant VAR errors since the technology was introduced to the Premier League in 2019.
"Following the incident in the 60th minute of Sunday's Premier League fixture between Manchester United and Manchester City at Old Trafford, we can provide clarification regarding Erling Haaland's awarded goal," a Pro Ref spokesperson said.
"The on-field decision was offside against Erling Haaland -- that was checked by VAR and he was found to be in an onside position.
"In the same attack, it was established that Enzo Fernández did not play the ball and therefore that makes any offside offence subjective, however, on this occasion, the VAR did not recognise the likely impact of his position and should have recommended an on-field review.
"Contact has been made with Manchester United this evening to acknowledge what we deem is an error of judgement. A review of the incident will take place."
The result leaves Manchester City level with Arsenal as the only Premier League sides to have collected maximum points from their opening four matches. Manchester United, meanwhile, sit 13th in the table with one victory, one draw and two defeats.