Archive · 16 Sep 2026
VAR Tunnel Vision Overturned Haaland’s Manchester Derby Goal
Erling Haaland scored for Manchester City in a Manchester derby.
The referee first ruled out the goal because Haaland appeared to be offside.
Video officials then checked the play and allowed the goal to count.
Later, Pro Ref said this was a mistake.
The officials focused too much on Haaland’s position.
They did not properly consider teammate Enzo Fernandez, who was also in an offside position and tried to play the ball.
The video officials involved will not work again until after the international break.
Manchester United lost 1-0 and manager Michael Carrick criticised the decision.
Howard Webb said VAR officials wrongly allowed Erling Haaland’s goal because of “tunnel vision.”
The goal was initially ruled offside before a review determined Haaland was onside.
Pro Ref later acknowledged the goal should not have counted because Enzo Fernandez’s involvement was not properly assessed.
VAR Matt Donohue and assistant VAR Blake Antrobus were stood down until after the international break.
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick criticised the decision after United’s 1-0 home defeat.
- Who
- Erling Haaland, Manchester City, Manchester United, VAR officials Matt Donohue and Blake Antrobus, and Pro Ref chief Howard Webb.
- What
- A goal by Haaland was incorrectly allowed to stand after a VAR review.
- When
- During Sunday's Manchester derby; the officials were stood down until after the international break.
- Where
- Old Trafford.
- Why
- VAR officials focused on whether Haaland was onside but failed to fully assess Enzo Fernandez’s involvement from an offside position.
Manchester United’s Criticism
Pro Ref’s Explanation
Whether the goal should have counted
Manchester United’s Criticism
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick criticised the decision after United’s 1-0 home defeat.
Pro Ref’s Explanation
Pro Ref acknowledged that the goal should not have been awarded because VAR failed to properly assess Enzo Fernandez’s involvement.
Cause of the VAR error
Manchester United’s Criticism
From Manchester United’s perspective, the incorrect decision affected a match United lost at home.
Pro Ref’s Explanation
Howard Webb said the VAR became focused on Haaland’s position and failed to evaluate the full impact of Fernandez’s offside position.
- Goal scorer
- Erling Haaland
- Match
- Manchester derby
- Venue
- Old Trafford
- Decision
- The goal was initially ruled offside, then allowed after VAR review.
- Acknowledged error
- Pro Ref said the goal should not have been awarded.
- VAR officials
- Matt Donohue and Blake Antrobus
- Disciplinary action
- Both officials were stood down until after the international break.