Howard Webb to address Manchester Derby VAR blunder after officials dropped

Howard Webb will publicly explain the VAR error that decided Sunday’s Manchester derby after Manchester City’s winning goal against Manchester United was incorrectly allowed to stand.

Erling Haaland scored the only goal in City’s 1-0 victory at Old Trafford, but controversy surrounded the decision because Enzo Fernandez was standing in an offside position and attempted to play the ball during the move.

The goal was initially disallowed before VAR Matt Donohue advised referee Michael Oliver to overturn the decision.

Pro Ref subsequently admitted an error had been made, and Webb will now discuss the incident on Tuesday night’s first Match Officials Mic’d Up programme of the season.

The initial VAR explanation focused on Haaland being onside and Fernandez not actually touching the ball.

However, the refereeing body later acknowledged that VAR had failed to properly consider whether Fernandez’s actions affected the opposition.

“VAR did not recognise the likely impact of his position and should have recommended an on-field review,” Pro Ref said.

Manchester United were contacted following the match to acknowledge what the organisation described as an “error of judgment”, with a review of the incident also confirmed.

The controversy centres on Fernandez attempting to play the ball from an offside position, with his involvement affecting United defender Lisandro Martinez during the passage of play.

There have already been consequences for the officials involved.

Donohue and assistant VAR Blake Antrobus have both been removed from this weekend’s appointments following the mistake.

The decision has placed further scrutiny on VAR and the process used when determining whether a player in an offside position is interfering with play.

Webb, who leads the refereeing organisation, will now have the opportunity to explain publicly how the mistake occurred and why Oliver was not advised to review the incident himself on the pitchside monitor.

United’s frustration was intensified by the fact the controversial goal ultimately decided the derby.

Martinez described the situation as an “injustice”, while manager Michael Carrick admitted he was confused by the decision.

The defeat leaves Manchester United with only four points from their opening four Premier League fixtures and represented Carrick’s second home defeat since becoming manager.

City, meanwhile, left Old Trafford with all three points, but the fallout from Haaland’s winner is set to continue with Webb’s public explanation.

Webb will explain the incident during Tuesday night’s Match Officials Mic’d Up programme, where the decision-making process surrounding Haaland’s goal is expected to be examined.

Attention will particularly focus on why Michael Oliver was not sent to the pitchside monitor and what changes, if any, will be made to prevent a similar VAR mistake in future Premier League matches.