Lisandro Martinez demands immediate action over 'injustice' after Manchester derby controversy

A furious Lisandro Martinez has called the decision to award Erling Haaland's winner in the Manchester derby an "injustice" after it was initially ruled out for offside.

It was the biggest talking point from a controversy-filled encounter at Old Trafford. On the hour mark, the linesman raised his flag after Erling Haaland tapped home from close range at the back post.

Then, to the bemusement of many watching at home, there was a delay. In fact, referee Michael Oliver paused the restart for a VAR check to take place, and after a lengthy wait, the decision was overturned.

READ MORE: Premier League release statement confirming why Phil Foden was given red card against Man Utd

It was decided that Haaland was not in an offside position from the initial cross into the box because he was being played onside by Patrick Dorgu.

The Premier League Match Centre also confirmed the goal was given because Enzo Fernandez, who was in an offside position when the ball passed him, did not touch the ball.

Some have suggested Fernandez's movement distracted Lisandro Martinez from blocking the cross before Haaland fired in at the back post, and the Argentine did make an attempt to head the ball.

Enzo Fernandez did not touch the ball before Erling Haaland tapped home. Image credit: Sky Sports

Explaining the decision, the Premier League Match Centre wrote: "VAR checked the referee’s call of no goal for offside – and determined that Haaland was in an onside position and recommended that the goal was awarded."

The statement added: "The VAR also deemed that while in an offside position, Fernandez didn’t play the ball."

Lisandro Martinez hits out at "injustice" after Haaland goal was awarded in Manchester derby

Speaking in his post-match interview with Sky Sports, a frustrated Lisandro Martinez was asked for his thoughts on the incident.

"I think he was offside," he began. "What I can't understand is the rules, you know? He was there, I went to him because he was in front of me that's why Haaland was free but I want to be calm now, I want to control myself.

"So hard because you lost the derby, three points at home. Every time they come to our club, they explain one hour, hour and a half with the rules then after five or six people doing this kind of mistake in the PL is unacceptable.

"You have the best players, best teams in the world and now we have to go home with this injustice."

Martinez went on to demand an explanation from the officials for why the goal was allowed to stand.

"For sure, it's difficult. I have two players there and I was 50/50, had to take the first guy in front. Simple as that (if Enzo Fernandez isn't there, it goes to Erling Haaland)."

He added: "Let's see what they have to say, let's see, I want to hear what their decision is. Based off what? I want to hear it."

Gary Neville demands apology from Pro Ref after Haaland goal

Up in the Old Trafford gantry, a perplexed Gary Neville questioned the decision to award the goal.

"The officials will be nervous about this goal," he said. "When they look back on this, they will recognise they got this wrong. The question is does Fernandez, who is offside, stop Martinez getting the ball? He does."

As seen in the Premier League Match Centre statement above, an explanation soon emerged as to why the goal was given, but Neville was far from impressed.

"They're the words that I think – emphatically – means we will see an apology from Pro Ref," he said.

"There is no doubt that Enzo is attempting to play the ball and putting Lisandro Martinez off. It’s a really strange one. They’ll recognise they got that wrong."