Sports
VAR error in derby: Webb admits Haaland goal should not have stood as two officials dropped
September 16, 2026 at 01:01 PM
Coverage
7 reports · 2 in Arabic, 5 in English · over 20 hours
Referees' chief Howard Webb says VAR wrongly awarded Erling Haaland's winning goal at Manchester United, with two officials stood down until after the international break.
- Webb said "tunnel vision" caused VAR to wrongly award Haaland's goal, as officials failed to properly assess Enzo Fernandez's offside position in the build-up.
- VAR official Matt Donohue and assistant Blake Antrobus will not officiate again until after the international break, Webb confirmed.
- Enzo Maresca said City is "still waiting for the apology" over United's 2023 derby equaliser, insisting "the goal was not a regular goal."
- Foden was sent off in the 23rd minute for kicking Bruno Fernandes; City host Norwich in the Carabao Cup on Thursday.
- Maresca said the VAR controversy should not overshadow City's performance despite playing with 10 men, adding that officiating mistakes are inevitable.
- Manchester United received an apology from referees' body Pro Ref for the wrongly awarded goal, though the result stands.






