What’s the VAR mistake controversy in Haaland’s Man City goal vs United?

What the report says

Al Jazeera reports that the Premier League’s VAR system is again under scrutiny after Manchester City’s Erling Haaland scored a controversial goal in Sunday’s Manchester derby at Old Trafford. The on-field assistant initially flagged the strike for offside, but VAR overturned the call and the goal stood, helping City beat Manchester United and earn three points in a match with major title and rivalry implications.

Later, the refereeing body Professional Game Referees said the decision was an “error of judgment” and acknowledged that the video officials did not properly account for the impact of City teammate Enzo Fernandez, who was in an offside position during the move. The body said it had contacted United and would review the incident. Al Jazeera notes that VAR remains in use across Premier League matches this season and there is no indication the league plans to drop it.

The controversy has renewed wider criticism of VAR from players, managers and pundits. Former United striker Wayne Rooney called the system “horrendous,” while ex-captain Gary Neville said the decision looked wrong. Football presenter Joe Morrison argued that referees should remain the main decision-makers and suggested more use of pitch-side monitors and public explanations for contentious calls. United manager Michael Carrick and defender Lisandro Martinez also voiced frustration, describing the decision as unfair and confusing.

The piece places the incident in a broader pattern of early-season VAR debate, noting that other match-week decisions have also drawn complaints, including a penalty given to Sunderland against Arsenal.