Pro Ref admits in bombshell statement that decision to award Erling Haaland's goal vs Man Utd was a mistake

Pro Ref, the governing body responsible for overseeing professional refereeing, has admitted the decision to award Erling Haaland's goal in the Manchester derby was an "error of judgement".

Haaland scored the winner for City on Sunday as they earned a hard-fought 1-0 win over their local rivals.

It was a controversial goal to secure the spoils. Haaland was initially ruled to be in an offside position when he tapped home Josko Gvardiol’s deflected cross.

After a lengthy VAR review, the offside decision was correctly overturned because Haaland was being played onside by Patrick Dorgu, but it was Enzo Fernandez's involvement that sparked the most debate.

Fernandez was in an offside position as he attempted to play the ball before it reached Haaland, but VAR deemed that while in an offside position, the Argentine did not play the ball, so the goal was given.

READ MORE: Joe Hart is going viral for his take on Erling Haaland's controversial goal in the Manchester derby

Many fans and pundits have argued that Fernandez interfered with play by making a movement towards the ball. He also blocked the path of Lisandro Martinez, who branded the decision an "injustice".

Now, a spokesperson at Pro Ref has admitted that the decision to award Erling Haaland's goal against United was a mistake.

A statement read: "Following the incident in the 60th minute of Sunday's Premier League fixture between Manchester United and Manchester City at Old Trafford, we can provide clarification regarding Erling Haaland's awarded goal.

"The on-field decision was offside against Erling Haaland - that was checked by VAR and he was found to be in an onside 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 recognise the likely impact of his position and should have recommended an on-field review.

"Contact has been made with Manchester United this evening to acknowledge what we deem is an error of judgement. A review of the incident will take place."

Michael Carrick was "staggered" by decision to award Erling Haaland's goal

Speaking in his post-match interview at Old Trafford, a bemused Michael Carrick admitted he was "staggered" after hearing why Haaland's second-half strike was awarded.

“If that's the interpretation of not interfering in the game now, that's really worrying for me. It's a staggering explanation," he began.

“I just don't get it. I really don't get it. I can't understand how they're trying to help referees and putting so many layers behind them with so many people, so many bodies, so many screens, and so many whatever offices they are to try and come up with the right decisions.

“If that's how the rules are interpreted, that you're not interfering with play because you've thrown yourself at the ball six yards from goal and pretty much nearly touched it, which then Leif has to react from."

Carrick added: "On top of that, the line was a bit dubious where they drew the line to start with. It's worrying if that's really how the game's seen by those who are officiating it.”