VAR in spotlight: derby goal decision sparks fresh debate

VAR has once again become football's biggest talking point following Manchester City's controversial goal against Manchester United, with the unusual twist that even the man who benefited from the decision felt it should not have stood.

The incident has reignited debate about a system introduced to eliminate clear and obvious errors, yet one that continues to leave managers, players and supporters searching for answers.

#MUNMCI – 59’ VAR OVERTURN

VAR checked the referee’s call of no goal for offside – and determined that Haaland was in an onside position and recommended that the goal was awarded.

The VAR also deemed that while in an offside position, Fernandez didn’t play the ball. pic.twitter.com/TyTip3ACIh — Premier League Match Centre (@PLMatchCentre) September 13, 2026

The controversy deepened after Pro Ref (formerly PGMOL) admitted the goal should not have been awarded. The refereeing body acknowledged that VAR failed to fully assess the impact of City midfielder Enzo Fernandez's offside position and said an on-field review should have been recommended.

Pro Ref also confirmed it had contacted Manchester United directly to acknowledge what it described as an "error of judgement", with the incident set to undergo further review.

United manager Michael Carrick was among those left baffled by the decision, questioning how such a call could survive scrutiny at a time when officials have access to multiple camera angles, replays and VAR technology.

Carrick's frustration centred not only on the outcome, but on the process itself, suggesting it was difficult to understand how officials could reach the wrong conclusion despite having every technological aid at their disposal.

What made the incident even more remarkable was the reaction from the opposite dugout.

Manchester City boss Enzo Maresca admitted after the match that he believed the goal should have been ruled out for offside, a candid assessment that only added fuel to the debate.

It is rare for a manager to publicly concede that a major decision went in his side's favour, but Maresca's honesty echoed the concerns being raised by Carrick and many observers.

The derby controversy also arrives amid growing scrutiny of officiating standards across the Premier League.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta recently questioned a penalty awarded against his side, despite David Raya going on to save the spot-kick.

Arteta described such decisions as unacceptable because of the potential impact they can have over the course of a season, arguing that a single call can influence title races, European qualification battles and relegation fights.

While the Arsenal incident centred on a disputed penalty and the Manchester derby fallout stemmed from an offside interpretation, the underlying concern remains the same: if technology exists to provide clarity, why do so many major decisions continue to generate controversy?

Pro Ref has admitted an 'error of judgement' in awarding Manchester City's winner at Manchester United in their 1-0 victory at Old Trafford.

Erling Haaland's goal was initially disallowed for offside on the pitch before VAR overturned the decision. pic.twitter.com/ZF76Qwz4Ib — Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) September 13, 2026