Premier League Referees Committee apologizes to Manchester United: Haaland's goal was not valid

The Premier League referees’ body issued a statement confirming an error in referee Michael Oliver’s decision during the Manchester derby between Manchester United and Manchester City, which awarded the winning goal to Manchester City via Erling Haaland. The body clarified that it had directly informed Manchester United of the mistake and apologized to the club, noting that a review and investigation into the incident had been opened. The statement read: “Following the incident that occurred in the 60th minute of the Premier League match between Manchester United and Manchester City at Old Trafford, we can provide clarification regarding Erling Haaland’s goal. The on-field decision was to call offside on Haaland, before the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) reviewed the situation and determined that the player was in an onside position. In the same attack, it was established that Manchester City’s Enzo Fernández did not touch the ball; however, the VAR did not note the potential impact of his position in this instance, and should have recommended an on-field review by the referee.” The body added that Manchester United had been contacted this evening to inform them of what it considers a refereeing error, and that a review and investigation into the incident will be conducted.