Manchester United have received an acknowledgement from Pro Ref after the refereeing body admitted there was an “error of judgement” in allowing Erling Haaland's winning goal to stand against Manchester City.
Haaland's 60th minute strike gave City a 1-0 victory at Old Trafford on Sunday, despite the visitors playing with 10 men after Phil Foden was sent off in the 23rd minute.
The goal was initially ruled out for offside, but VAR overturned the decision after determining that Haaland himself was in an onside position.
However, the controversy centred on Enzo Fernández, who was in an offside position and attempted to play the ball as the cross came into the area.
Fernández did not touch the ball, leading VAR to initially conclude that there was no offside offence.
Pro Ref has now admitted that the VAR failed to properly consider the impact of Fernández's position on the play.
Pro Ref admits VAR should have intervened
In a statement released after the derby, Pro Ref explained that although Fernández did not play the ball, the situation involved a subjective judgement over whether his position affected the play.
The refereeing body said VAR “did not recognise the likely impact” of Fernández's position and should have recommended that referee Michael Oliver conduct an on-field review.
Pro Ref has also confirmed that it contacted Manchester United directly to acknowledge what it described as an “error of judgement” and that the incident will now be reviewed.
The admission comes after United manager Michael Carrick expressed his frustration with the decision immediately after the match.
The controversy was particularly significant because Haaland's goal proved to be the difference between the two sides.
United had been playing against 10 men for most of the match but failed to take advantage before the Norwegian striker's finish.
What happened in the Haaland goal?
Haaland was initially flagged offside when he converted Josko Gvardiol's delivery.
VAR subsequently checked the position of the Norwegian and determined that he was actually being played onside by United defender Patrick Dorgu.
That was not the end of the issue, however.
Fernández was also in an offside position and moved towards the ball, with his movement occurring close to United defender Lisandro Martínez.
Although he never made contact with the cross, Pro Ref has now acknowledged that his presence could have influenced the defender and should have been reviewed by the referee.
The goal therefore remained valid on the day, but the official admission means United's complaints about the decision have now received backing from the body responsible for overseeing professional refereeing in England.
The result itself will stand, meaning Manchester City retain their perfect start to the Premier League season with four wins from four games.
But the biggest talking point from the Manchester derby is now official...Pro Ref agrees that VAR made an error in the decision that allowed Haaland's winner.