VAR Mishap Overshadows Manchester Derby as Webb Admits Error
By Editor • September 15, 2026 • 1 min read
In a stunning revelation, Howard Webb, the chief of referees, acknowledged that the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) team failed to consider an offside infringement during a pivotal moment in the Manchester derby on Sunday. The error allowed Manchester City’s Erling Haaland to score a controversial winner, leading to widespread disappointment among fans and officials alike.
During the match at Old Trafford, Haaland scored in the 60th minute, initially having his goal disallowed for offside. However, after a VAR review, it was declared that he was onside. The oversight occurred when the VAR officials, Matt Donohue and Blake Antrobus, neglected to check if Enzo Fernandez had committed an offside offence while interfering with play.
Webb expressed his discontent with the VAR's handling of the situation, admitting that they became overly focused on Haaland, resulting in a lack of comprehensive analysis regarding Fernandez's position. “I was really disappointed with this outcome. We all are,” Webb stated, emphasizing that the officials take great pride in their work and are now feeling the weight of this blunder.
Source: www.bbc.co.uk
#Enzo Fernandez #Erling Haaland #Howard Webb #Manchester derby #offside #VAR
