English Refereeing Body Admits Haaland's Goal Was Irregular

The English refereeing body has admitted a mistake was made after VAR allowed Erling Haaland's winning goal for Manchester City against Manchester United, overlooking the offside position of Enzo Fernandez. The goal was initially disallowed on the field before video assistants overturned the referee's decision.

"It was determined that Enzo Fernandez did not play the ball, and therefore any offside infringement becomes subjective. In this specific instance, however, VAR failed to recognize the probable impact of his position on play and should have recommended an on-field review. We contacted Manchester United this evening to acknowledge what we consider to be an error in judgment. A comprehensive analysis of the incident will be conducted," read the official statement.

Former English referee Mark Halsey also weighed in on the controversy, sharing the same opinion.

"VAR made a very serious error, and that goal should not have stood at all. It's unacceptable to disregard Enzo Fernandez's movement. When an offside player dives to try and connect with the ball a few yards from goal, he directly influences the defender next to him. Lisandro Martinez couldn't have remained static in that situation. This is a clear offside," Halsey stated.

Keith Hackett, former head of the English refereeing body, echoed this sentiment.

"The goal should have been disallowed immediately. Enzo Fernandez made an absolutely conscious movement to play the ball from an offside position and became active the second he threw himself headfirst. The explanation that he didn't influence play because he didn't touch the ball is a complete manipulation and misinterpretation of the Laws of the Game," Hackett declared.