The professional refereeing bodies have admitted an “error of judgement” in allowing Erling Haaland’s decisive goal for Manchester City in their 1-0 victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Haaland struck in the 60th minute to settle the fiercely contested Manchester derby and hand City all three points, but the goal has triggered a major officiating controversy.
The decisive moment came under scrutiny over the offside positioning of players involved in Manchester City’s attacking move, raising questions about whether the goal should have stood.
Despite the controversy, the officials allowed the goal to stand, with Manchester City holding on to secure a crucial away victory against their city rivals.
The subsequent admission from the professional refereeing bodies that there was an “error of judgement” has intensified the debate over the standard of officiating in the Premier League.
The incident is likely to fuel further scrutiny of the decision-making process surrounding offside calls, particularly in high-profile matches where a single decision can determine the outcome.
City’s victory at Old Trafford was ultimately secured by Haaland’s controversial strike, leaving United empty-handed and the officiating decision at the centre of post-match discussions.
