Maresca criticises focus on controversial winner

What the report says

Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has criticised the attention given to the refereeing controversy around Erling Haaland’s winning goal in Sunday’s 1-0 derby victory over Manchester United, saying it is unfair that the discussion has overshadowed City’s performance. He made the comments ahead of City’s Carabao Cup third-round match against Norwich City on Thursday.

City won at Old Trafford despite playing much of the game with 10 men after Phil Foden was sent off in the first half. Haaland’s hour-mark goal was initially ruled out for offside, then allowed after a VAR review. England’s refereeing body later said the decision was incorrect because the review did not properly consider whether Enzo Fernandez had been offside and involved in the build-up.

Maresca said the team had still produced an “unbelievable” display and argued that the focus on one incident was excessive. He also pointed to earlier decisions that he believes went against City, including a similar episode in a previous Manchester derby. The controversy has continued to dominate discussion of City’s fourth straight league win, while referees chief Howard Webb said the officials were disappointed and acknowledged the mistake.

The result leaves City preparing for Norwich before returning to Premier League action against Sunderland later in the week.