PGMOL Admits Error Over Haaland's Controversial Manchester Derby Winner

Erling Haaland's winning goal in Sunday's Manchester derby was awarded in error, the Professional Game Referees (Pro Ref) has confirmed. The striker's goal was initially disallowed for offside before VAR overturned the decision — a mistake that has left officials facing serious questions over their process.

  • Competition: Premier League — Manchester derby
  • Goal: Erling Haaland scored after 59 minutes and 24 seconds
  • VAR: Matt Donohue
  • On-field referee: Michael Oliver
  • Ruling: Pro Ref has admitted an error of judgement — the goal should have stood disallowed for offside against Enzo Fernandez
  • At stake: The VAR's process and Why Pro Ref's admission is only partially complete

What was said

"Having admitted the goal should have remained ruled out because Fernandez was offside, the statement declared:"On this occasion, the VAR did not recognise the likely impact of his position."

— Pro Ref statement, as reported by Sky Sports

That single sentence from Pro Ref acknowledges the outcome was wrong but leaves the central question unanswered. If a player six yards from goal makes a diving header for a ball between two opponents, why would a VAR not judge that as impacting play — or potentially impacting play? The statement confirms the error without explaining the reasoning behind it.

The numbers

  • Goal timed at: 59 minutes and 24 seconds
  • Play restarted at: 63 minutes and 15 seconds
  • Added on: Just five minutes, despite the lengthy review and numerous other delays
  • VAR Matt Donohue's Premier League refereeing experience: Four games
  • Donohue's VAR experience in 2025/26: 24 Premier League matches as VAR, six as Assistant VAR

The decision-making process: where VAR went wrong

The most logical explanation for the error is that the VAR team became focused on whether Fernandez actually touched the ball. Match Centre wrote on X mid-game that the VAR deemed Fernandez "didn't play the ball" — but the offside rule clearly stipulates a player can be offside regardless of whether or not he touches it. The VAR appears to have fixated on a technicality that did not matter, missing the more important question of impact.

According to Pro Ref, the initial offside decision was made against Haaland. He was onside. The review then moved to Fernandez, who was correctly deemed offside by the VAR team. The error came next: they apparently focused entirely on whether Fernandez touched the ball. What the VAR could not do was confirm the goal was rightly ruled out for the wrong reason — the Haaland offside. That is why Pro Ref says the VAR ought to have requested an on-field review, allowing Michael Oliver to make a subjective decision on whether Fernandez impacted play.

Replays also show Manchester United goalkeeper Lammens reacted to Fernandez, raising his arms in anticipation of a header and putting him off balance for when Haaland struck the ball. But since Martinez had already been impacted by Fernandez's position, the goal should have been disallowed regardless of whether Lammens was distracted. The on-field decision was simultaneously wrong and right: wrong because the offside was given against an onside player, right because the goal should have been ruled out for offside.

Talking points

  • Should VAR Matt Donohue face consequences for a mistake that directly changed the result of a Manchester derby, or is this a systemic issue with how offside reviews are conducted?
  • The use of semi-automated offside technology means no lines are drawn for TV viewers — does that lack of transparency make it harder for fans to understand decisions?
  • Five minutes of added time despite a review that stopped play for nearly four minutes, plus other delays, raises questions about how stoppages are calculated.
  • Pro Ref's partial explanation leaves the biggest question unanswered: why did the VAR fail to recognise that a player six yards from goal, making a diving header, could impact play?

What happens next

Pro Ref has acknowledged the error but the process behind the mistake remains under scrutiny. With semi-automated offside technology in use and no on-field review requested, the incident will continue to generate debate about VAR protocol. The next round of Premier League fixtures will see every offside decision under intense examination, particularly those involving players in offside positions who do not touch the ball.

Frequently asked questions

Why was Erling Haaland's goal allowed in the Manchester derby?

The VAR deemed that while in an offside position, Enzo Fernandez did not play the ball, and that Haaland was played onside by Manchester United defender Patrick Dorgu. Pro Ref has since admitted the goal should have remained ruled out.

Who was the VAR for the Manchester derby?

Matt Donohue was the VAR. He has refereed four Premier League games but has substantial VAR experience, including 24 top-flight matches as VAR in 2025/26.

Should the goal have been disallowed for offside?

Yes. Pro Ref confirmed the goal should have remained ruled out because Enzo Fernandez was in an offside position and impacted play. The VAR should have asked referee Michael Oliver to conduct an on-field review.

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