An error from refereeing body ProRef has given Manchester City a one-nil victory in the Manchester derby over Manchester United.
In the 60th minute of the Premier League fixture, Manchester City striker Erling Haaland received a cross from teammate Joško Gvardiol and tucked away what looked to be a nicely worked goal.
Celebrations were cut short after the offside flag was raised however, and the City side began retreating until a VAR goal review was announced. Upon review, Haaland was deemed onside, but newly recruited midfielder Enzo Fernandez looked to be clearly offside.
Fernandez did not make contact with the ball, though he did impact United defender Lisandro Martinez's decision in defence. The offside call was miraculously overturned, and Haaland's goal was awarded.
According to Sky Sports, ProRef released a statement admitting an error was made.
"The on-field decision was offside against Erling Haaland - that was checked by VAR and he was found to be in an onside position.
“In the same attack, it was established that Enzo Fernandez did not play the ball and therefore that makes any offside offence subjective, however, on this occasion, the VAR did not recognise the likely impact of his position and should have recommended an on-field review.
“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.”
During his coverage of the derby for Sky Sports, former Manchester United defender Gary Neville believed an apology for the error would be inevitable.
"We will see an apology from Pro Ref," Neville said.
"There is no doubt that Enzo [Fernandez] is attempting to play the ball and putting Lisandro Martinez off.
"It's a really strange one. They'll recognise they got that wrong."
