The refereeing leadership in English professional football has acknowledged a major oversight during the recent Manchester derby, confirming that the video assistant referee failed to spot a clear offside violation leading to the match-winning goal.
Howard Webb, chief refereeing officer for Professional Game Match Officials Limited, addressed the controversy on the latest broadcast of a program reviewing officiating decisions. During the discussion, Webb expressed deep frustration regarding the mistake made by video assistant referee Matt Donohue and his assistant Blake Antrobus during Sunday's high-profile fixture at Old Trafford.
The incident occurred during the second half when visiting striker Erling Haaland appeared to break the deadlock in the 60th minute. While the on-field officials initially flagged the play for offside, a subsequent video review determined that Haaland was narrowly onside when receiving a cross, prompting the referee to overturn the decision and award the goal.
However, video officials completely overlooked an earlier infraction involving midfielder Enzo Fernandez. Television replays showed Fernandez diving toward the ball in a central position, directly interfering with opposing players and creating a subjective offside offence that should have nullified the goal.
Addressing public confusion over how the missed call happened, Webb explained that the video team suffered from severe tunnel vision. Once semi-automated technology confirmed that Haaland was only a fraction of a centimetre onside, the officiating crew focused exclusively on whether Fernandez had made physical contact with the ball, failing to evaluate his broader impact on the play.
Webb confirmed that the goal should not have stood and noted that both video officials have been stood down from active duty until after the upcoming international break. The organization has already shared the relevant audio and video footage with Manchester United to explain the error.
The match also featured significant debate surrounding a red card issued in the 23rd minute. Phil Foden was dismissed after lashing out with force toward Bruno Fernandes, an action Webb fully supported.
Critics had questioned why Fernandes escaped punishment after retaliating with a kick of his own shortly prior. Webb defended the handling of that secondary incident, explaining that the Portuguese midfielder's action lacked the excessive force or brutality required to constitute violent conduct, making it a yellow-card offence rather than a straight red.
Reporting based on coverage first published by BBC Sport. Read the original report at BBC Sport.
