Ex-Premier League ref slams VAR for 'getting involved' in controversial Man City goal

Former Premier League official Mark Halsey has slammed VAR for getting involved in Erling Haaland’s controversial goal against Manchester United. The Norwegian striker scored in the second-half at Old Trafford to seal victory for his side.

The strike was initially flagged offside, albeit VAR intervened to saw it given despite Enzo Fernandez being clearly offside in the build-up.

And ex-referee Halsey has now taken aim at the VAR and claims that they should just have allowed the original decision to stand.

Speaking to The Sun, he said: “Now when we look at it, Haaland is not offside but Fernandez is offside. When the ball comes across, he’s in an offside position.

Get our comprehensive football coverage, with news, updates, opinions, analysis and everything that matters to you, straight to your inbox.

To get it, it's a quick and easy one-two:

1. Head THIS WAY

JOIN US ON FACEBOOK! Latest news, analysis and much more on Mirror Football's Facebook page

“Being in an offside position is not an offence in itself. It only becomes an offside offence if the player involved becomes involved in active play by interfering with an opponent or making a deliberate play to play the ball.

“In my opinion, Fernandez does that. And I believe that the assistant referee was correct in flagging Fernandez as offside. Obviously all goals are checked. VAR have looked at it, and they have decided that the goal is onside.

“In my opinion, it’s subjective to whether you feel Fernandez is making a deliberate play for the ball, or becoming involved in an active play and interfering with defenders.

“If that’s the case, the subjectivity – VAR – should not have got involved. They should have stuck with the on-field decision of offside, which I believe was the correct call.”

Pro Ref was forced to speak out in the aftermath of Haaland’s goal with it being revealed that the goal should indeed have been chalked off.

A statement on Sunday 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."