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The Premier League's refereeing body, Pro Ref, has acknowledged that video officials made an error in the build-up to Erling Haaland's decisive goal in Manchester City's 1-0 derby victory over Manchester United.
The controversy centered not on Haaland's position but on Manchester City midfielder Enzo Fernandez, who was standing offside and attempted to play the cross before the ball reached Haaland.
Pro Ref said the video assistant referee, commonly known as VAR, should have sent the incident back to the on-field referee for another look.
Haaland turned in Josko Gvardiol's low cross at the back post in the 60th minute at Old Trafford, although the goal was initially ruled out for offside.
VAR later overturned that decision after determining that Haaland had remained onside, allowing the goal to stand.
Attention then shifted to Fernandez, who was in an offside position and tried to play the cross but failed to make contact with the ball.
Pro Ref said the question of whether Fernandez had committed an offside offence was therefore subjective, but acknowledged that VAR had failed to properly take into account the possible effect of his position.
"In the same attack, it was established that Enzo Fernandez did not play the ball, and therefore that makes any offside offence subjective. However, on this occasion, the VAR did not recognize the likely impact of his position and should have recommended an on-field review," Pro Ref said.
Pro Ref said it had contacted Manchester United to acknowledge what it described as "an error of judgement" and confirmed that the incident would be reviewed.
VAR Matthew Donohue and assistant VAR Blake Antrobus had concluded that Haaland was onside and that Fernandez, despite standing in an offside position, had not committed an offence.
The goal ultimately settled the Manchester derby, with 10-man Manchester City holding on for a 1-0 victory after Phil Foden was sent off in the 23rd minute.
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