Howard Webb slams VAR for offside error as Haaland goal stands

Erling Haaland's fine finish gave Manchester City the decisive edge at Old Trafford on Sunday, but the goal should have been ruled out for offside after Enzo Fernandez was in an interfering position. In the same match, Phil Foden received a straight red card for a kick on Bruno Fernandes.

VAR offside controversy

The decision fell under the jurisdiction of Pro Ref, but VAR chose not to intervene, allowing Haaland’s finish to stand despite Haaland being offside. Enzo Fernandez was positioned in an offside area and, should have been judged to have interfered with play. Webb said the VAR officials suffered ‘tunnel vision’, focusing solely on Haaland and overlooking Fernandez’s impact. The incident occurred in Manchester City’s 1‑0 victory at Old Trafford in Trafford on Sunday.

"I was really disappointed with this outcome. We all are," Webb said on the Match Officials Mic Up programme. "We will review it, reflect upon it and try to take the learning forward to prevent this unusual type of error from happening again," he added.

Phil Foden was shown a straight red card by the Ref Michael Oliver after he kicked out at Bruno Fernandes. Webb explained that Bruno had first kicked the Man Utd player while he was down, prompting the retaliation.

Webb argued the kick lacked the excessive force required for violent conduct, suggesting a yellow card would have been appropriate. He described Bruno’s earlier action as ‘petulant rather than violent’, noting the absence of brutality.

Webb confirmed that the officials involved will not work again until after the international break. He discussed the matter on the ‘Match Officials Mic Up’ podcast, referring to it simply as ‘Mic’. The controversy adds another chapter to Manchester City’s challenging day at Old Trafford, where they finished with ten men.