REFEREES ADMIT "ERROR IN JUDGEMENT" IN MANCHESTER DERBY

LONDON, SEPTEMBER 14 /SRNA/ - The English Premier League's professional referees' organisation Pro Ref admitted to an "error in judgement" in awarding Erling Haaland's goal in the derby between Manchester City and Manchester United.

Haaland scored in the 60th minute at Old Trafford. The goal was initially ruled out for offside, but after an intervention from the VAR room, it was awarded, with the Norwegian deemed not to have been in an offside position because of the position of Manchester United player Patrick Dorgu's leg, the BBC reported.

However, there has been debate over whether City player Enzo Fernández was in an offside position when he attempted to head the ball before Haaland.

"It was established that Fernández did not touch the ball and that there was therefore no offside. However, on this occasion, VAR failed to identify the likely impact of his body position and should have recommended that an offence be called," the Pro Ref statement said.

The statement said that Manchester United had been informed that an "error in judgement" had occurred.

Manchester United defender Lisandro Martínez said it was an injustice, and Red Devils manager Michael Carrick said the decision had left him "confused".

City won the Manchester derby with Haaland's controversial goal.