The fallout from a controversial Manchester derby continues after Erling Haaland’s winner was allowed by VAR, which has prompted an official apology to Manchester United.
Haaland scored the only goal of the game at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon, though the Man City striker’s joy was, initially, short-lived as the offside flag was raised.
However, following a VAR check the goal was allowed to stand - even though Enzo Fernandez appeared to make a genuine attempt to score despite being in an offside position.
Amid confusion over the goal, the Premier League have explained the goal was awarded because Fernandez did not play the ball.
A statement reads: “VAR checked the referee’s call of no goal for offside – and determined that Haaland was in an onside position and recommended that the goal was awarded.
“The VAR also deemed that while in an offside position, Fernandez didn’t play the ball.”
What is the offside rule?
A player is offside when interfering with an opponent by:
- preventing an opponent from playing or being able to play the ball by clearly obstructing the opponent’s line of vision or
- challenging an opponent for the ball or
- clearly attempting to play a ball which is close when this action impacts on an opponent or
- making an obvious action which clearly impacts on the ability of an opponent to play the ball
Erling Haaland has put Manchester City ahead in the derby after a VAR check ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/V0DCwryhFy
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) September 13, 2026
Reacting to the decision, Gary Neville - on Sky Sports - predicted that Pro Ref will recognise they got the decision wrong, claiming Fernandez prevented Lisandro Martinez from getting to the ball before Haaland.
"They're the words that I think – emphatically – means we will see an apology from Pro Ref,” Neville said.
"There is no doubt that Enzo is attempting to play the ball and putting Lisandro Martinez off
"It’s a really strange one. They’ll recognise they got that wrong."
Neville was soon after proved right as Pro Ref confirmed that an pitch-side review should have been advised by VAR and the goal should have been ruled out.
