VAR audio reveals blunder that handed Man City the derby win over Man Utd

Full audio has been released of the controversial VAR decisions in the Manchester derby, including the Erling Haaland goal that won it and Phil Foden's red card. Howard Webb has since admitted the VAR team got the Haaland call wrong.

  • Competition: Premier League – Manchester derby
  • Key decision 1: Erling Haaland's winner was allowed to stand after VAR review, but Webb has admitted it should have been disallowed
  • Key decision 2: Phil Foden was sent off and Webb has backed the red card
  • Audio: Full audio of the VAR conversations has been released
  • Programme: Match Officials Mic'd Up
  • Date: Tuesday 15 September 2026

What was said

Howard Webb, the chief refereeing officer, has admitted that VAR got the major decision wrong in the Manchester derby. The audio reveals the moment the VAR team cleared Erling Haaland's winner, a call Webb now says was incorrect.

"We got it wrong. The goal should have been disallowed."

— Howard Webb, admitting VAR's error over Erling Haaland's winner

On Phil Foden's red card, Webb was clear that the on-field decision was correct. "The red card was the right call. The challenge was reckless and endangered the safety of an opponent."

Webb also clarified why Bruno Fernandes escaped punishment during the same incident, explaining that the VAR team could not intervene for a caution and that the threshold for a red card was not met.

Analysis: Why Webb's admission matters for Man City and Man Utd

Erling Haaland's goal proved decisive in the Manchester derby. Webb's admission that VAR should have disallowed it will intensify the debate around the consistency of video officiating in the Premier League. For Manchester City, the three points are already in the bag, but the reputation of the officiating team has taken a hit.

The release of the full audio is part of the Premier League's ongoing effort to increase transparency around VAR decisions. While it provides insight into the process, it also highlights the high-pressure environment in which officials operate. For Manchester United, the sense of injustice will linger, especially with the derby defeat hinging on a call that has now been acknowledged as wrong.

Webb's backing of Phil Foden's red card shows that not every contentious call was a mistake. The challenge was deemed to have endangered an opponent, and the review confirmed the on-field referee's judgement. This distinction is important: it shows that while errors occur, the system can also get it right.

Talking points

  • Should VAR have been able to intervene on the Haaland goal, and does this prove the need for a broader review scope?
  • Phil Foden's red card was correct, but was the challenge malicious or merely mistimed?
  • Why was Bruno Fernandes not cautioned, and does that reveal a gap in VAR's powers?
  • Does Howard Webb's public admission of error undermine confidence in officials, or does it build trust?

What happens next

The audio release will fuel further debate ahead of the next round of Premier League fixtures. Referees will continue to face scrutiny, and Howard Webb's team will be under pressure to reduce high-profile errors. The focus now shifts to how VAR protocols might be adjusted to prevent similar mistakes in future Manchester derbies and beyond.

Frequently asked questions

Why was Erling Haaland's goal allowed to stand?

VAR reviewed the goal and allowed it to stand, but Howard Webb has since admitted that the decision was wrong and the goal should have been disallowed.

Was Phil Foden's red card the correct decision?

Yes, Howard Webb has backed the red card, stating that the challenge was reckless and endangered an opponent.

Why didn't Bruno Fernandes get a card?

Howard Webb explained that VAR could not intervene for a yellow card, and the threshold for a red card was not met.

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