VAR officials stood down following Haaland derby winner

Last Updated : 15-Sep-2026 by Footymad

The video assistant referees responsible for awarding Erling Haaland's winning goal in the Manchester derby have been stood down from upcoming fixtures.

Manchester City claimed a 1-0 victory over United at Old Trafford on Sunday, despite playing with 10 men following Phil Foden's first-half red card.

Controversy erupted in the second half when Haaland found the net from close range.

Replays immediately indicated that an offside infraction occurred during the build-up, but the officiating team at Stockley Park failed to overturn the on-field decision.

The governing body reviewed the technical footage on Monday and conceded that an error in communication led to the incorrect outcome.