Manchester City's dramatic 1-0 win over 10-man rivals Manchester United at Old Trafford has been overshadowed by a controversial VAR review that left fans and pundits baffled.
Erling Haaland struck the winning goal in the 60th minute of Sunday's Premier League derby, watched by 74,161 spectators. The goal was initially ruled out for offside against the Norwegian striker, a decision that appeared correct in real time. However, semi-automated offside technology later showed Haaland himself was onside, prompting a lengthy VAR review before the goal was ultimately allowed to stand.
The controversy centered on Argentine midfielder Enzo Fernández, who was in a clearly offside position when he threw himself at a low cross that Haaland converted. Although Fernández did not touch the ball, his movement appeared to distract both the opposing goalkeeper and a defender — a scenario that should typically result in the goal being disallowed for offside interference, regardless of whether contact was made with the ball.
Despite this, referee Matt Donohue, operating from the VAR hub at Stockley Park, allowed the goal to stand. The decision baffled onlookers, with critics suggesting Donohue may have mistakenly believed Fernández needed to touch the ball in order to be deemed to have interfered with play — a fundamental misunderstanding of the offside law if true.
The governing body overseeing English officiating, now rebranded as Pro Ref, later issued a statement acknowledging the error. "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," the statement read. It continued: "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 episode has reignited criticism of VAR's implementation in English football, with many arguing that instead of eliminating controversy, the system continues to generate fresh confusion and inconsistency. The fact that the review process itself appeared flawed — rather than simply the final call being debatable — has drawn particular scorn from observers, who question whether officials fully grasp the offside law they are tasked with enforcing.
United defender Harry Maguire was also a notable figure during the chaotic afternoon, visibly reacting with exaggerated frustration to a series of decisions throughout the match, further adding to the drama surrounding the fixture.
Elsewhere in the Premier League on the same day, Leeds and Newcastle shared a 2-2 draw in an entertaining top-flight encounter.
The football world was also mourning the passing of former West Ham, Queens Park Rangers and Czech Republic international goalkeeper Ludek Miklosko, who died at the age of 64. His son, Martin, paid tribute to the outpouring of support from supporters following his father's death. "We are heartbroken at his loss, but take huge comfort from the immense support he received from all of you, along with the knowledge that he is now at peace and no longer suffering," Martin Miklosko said. "Dad simply loved West Ham, and especially hearing his name sung loud and proud at every game. The club, and its fans, were and always will be a part of our family, so thank you all from the bottom of our hearts."
As for Pro Ref, the body now faces the task of reviewing its own review — a process supporters will hope is conducted with far greater care than the one that sparked Sunday's controversy in the first place.
Based on reporting from The Guardian.