Pro Ref Admits VAR Error Over Haaland’s Manchester Derby Winner
Pro Ref has admitted an “error of judgement” in the VAR decision that allowed Erling Haaland’s Manchester derby winner to stand, despite Manchester City playing most of the match with 10 men after Phil Foden’s red card.
Haaland struck on the hour as City beat Manchester United and maintained their perfect start to the 2026-27 Premier League season. The Norwegian was initially ruled offside, but the decision was overturned after video officials judged Enzo Fernandez had not attempted to play the ball or affected the passage of play from an offside position.
Fernandez had thrown himself towards the ball as it travelled through to Haaland, but officials concluded his movement did not constitute interference. Pro Ref has now accepted that call was wrong.
Foden sent off after Fernandes clash
The first major incident arrived before the 23rd minute. Foden believed United captain Bruno Fernandes had brought him down near the touchline, with Fernandes keeping possession and appearing to catch the City midfielder with a scraped kick along the ground.
Foden went down before raising his foot, catching Fernandes around the body. Fernandes fell and referee Michael Oliver showed Foden a straight red card. A VAR check upheld the dismissal, while Fernandes received no punishment.
United could not turn their numerical advantage into a result. Haaland’s goal settled the contest and sent City back to the Etihad Stadium with all three points.
Owen criticises derby incidents
Former United forward Michael Owen said the derby’s major talking points reflected badly on the game, pointing to Fernandes’ role in the Foden incident and the subsequent VAR controversy.
“I thought it was a bad day for football,” Owen said. “If you are watching for the first time, you see the histrionics, the goading to get Phil Foden to react, then the reaction when someone is not hurt, followed by the VAR nightmare.”
Owen said the match’s two defining moments had eclipsed the football itself, adding that the spectacle was especially disappointing given the global audience for one of the Premier League’s biggest fixtures.
Fernandes has made no apology for his approach, but scrutiny of his conduct is likely to continue. VAR is also under renewed pressure only weeks into the campaign after another high-profile intervention ended in an official admission of error.
