VAR audio reveals officials' 'tunnel vision' review of Erling Haaland goal for Man City vs Man Utd

Tuesday, 15 September 2026 19:47

The audio of the VAR making the decision to award Manchester City their winning goal during Sunday's Manchester derby has been released.

The VAR overruled the decision made on the pitch that Erling Haaland's goal - which handed Man City a 1-0 win - was offside after rewatching the game footage.

Refereeing body Pro Ref later admitted an error had been made because Man City player Enzo Fernandez had been in an offside position as he dived towards the ball before Haaland scored.

The recording reveals the conversation that took place between the VAR and assistant VAR when making the decision.

Though they mentioned Fernandez and checked if he had touched the ball, they did not seem to consider if he was offside.

After he finished reviewing the footage, the VAR said: "Confirming that you need to change your decision to goal. Haaland is in an onside position. Final decision is goal; check complete."

Read more from Sky News:
Raheem Sterling admits dangerous driving
Man City goal was VAR 'error', referees admit

Pro Ref chief operating officer Howard Webb told the Match Officials: Mic'd Up programme that the VAR had become "super focused" on Haaland and did not consider the rest of the field.

"In that moment, he gets tunnel vision but it is down to the rest of his team to pull him out of that tunnel but unfortunately, that did not happen on this occasion," he said.

"This goal should have been disallowed."

Webb added that the VAR officials were "hurting now after falling short in this situation" and would not be refereeing after the international break.

Sky News