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Referees admit VAR error on Haaland's derby winner; Webb blames 'tunnel vision'

Manchester City beat Manchester United 1-0 at Old Trafford on Sunday in the Manchester derby with a goal that the referees' body later said should not have stood. Erling Haaland scored on the hour from Josko Gvardiol's cross. The goal was first ruled offside, then allowed by VAR, which found Haaland onside, even though Enzo Fernandez, in an offside position, tried to reach the ball in front of United defender Lisandro Martinez. City were already down to 10 men after Phil Foden was sent off for kicking Bruno Fernandes, Al Jazeera reported.

The same evening Pro Ref, which runs refereeing in English professional football, admitted “an error of judgment” and contacted United. The Guardian printed the statement in full: the VAR “did not recognise the likely impact” of Fernandez's position and should have recommended an on-field review. Malaysia's The Star, carrying Reuters, led with Michael Carrick's frustration.

“I just don't get it, I really don't get it.” — Michael Carrick, via The Star

Pro Ref chief Howard Webb later said on Match Officials Mic'd Up that the VAR got “tunnel vision” by focusing on Haaland. VAR Matt Donohue and assistant VAR Blake Antrobus will not officiate again until after the international break, Al Jazeera reported. Martinez called the goal an “injustice”.

How each outlet framed it

• Al Jazeera — the incident, Martinez's anger and Webb's explanation.
• The Guardian — the statement in full and what VAR checked.
• The Star (Reuters) — United's manager and the admission.

What we don't know yet: what the review will change. The admission does not change the score, and United have now lost two of their first four league games.