The Professional Referees Organisation (Pro Ref) have issued an apology to Manchester United, acknowledging an ‘error of judgement’ that led to a controversial defeat
Pro Ref have issued an apology to Manchester United for an ‘error of judgement’ in allowing Erling Haaland’s Manchester City winner during Sunday’s controversial derby at Old Trafford.
The Professional Referees Organisation – the rebranded Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) – has accepted responsibility after it was wrongly established during the 1-0 win for City that their midfielder Enzo Fernandez hadn’t interfered with play, despite being in an offside position when he tried to head home Josko Gvardiol’s cross.
Haaland’s strike was initially ruled out after the linesman’s flag went up. After a protracted pause following VAR intervention, it was determined Patrick Dorgu’s boot had played the Norwegian onside and the goal was given, despite it being obvious that Fernandez had disrupted play as he positioned himself in front of Lisandro Martinez, with Haaland situated behind the Red Devils defender, when Fernandez failed to connect with the ball via a diving header, reports the Mirror.
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A PGMOL spokesman stated: “Following the incident in the 60th minute of Sunday’s Premier League fixture between Manchester United and Manchester City at Old Trafford, we can provide clarification regarding Erling Haaland’s awarded goal.
“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.”
The United camp were left seething as the goal proved crucial in preserving Enzo Maresca’s perfect start. Argentine defender Martinez said: “I think he was offside. What I can’t understand is the rules, you know?”.
“He was there, I went to him because he was in front of me that’s why Haaland was free but I want to be calm now, I want to control myself. So hard because you lost the derby, three points at home.
“Every time they come to our club, they explain one hour, hour and a half with the rules then after five or six people doing this kind of mistake in the PL is unacceptable. You have the best players, best teams in the world and now we have to go home with this injustice.”
Carrick, meanwhile, courted potential Football Association punishment with his explosive reaction to Sky Sports following the loss. The United manager said: “Confused, not even confused, we’ve put things in place to help referees decisions, screens, referees in an office somewhere. It’s more worrying about if that’s the interpretation about football.
“If we’ve got people in place that are meant to understand a game of football or not interfering with play or impacting an attack, throwing your body at it with a defender next to him, it’s really worrying for me.
“It’s a staggering decision. I can’t understand it once I seen it then the explanation makes it worse. The explanation that he’s not interfering with play. Incredible.
“It’s not going to change a season, it’s a major impact on the game and it’s a massive game. It’s a long season ahead, we’ve got to get back to winning football matches, that’s on us, that (decision) wasn’t on us today.”