Manchester City were awarded a contentious goal during their Premier League encounter with Manchester United at Old Trafford, with Erling Haaland’s strike standing despite initial indications of an offside offence.
The incident sparked considerable debate, particularly among former players providing commentary on the match.
The assistant referee initially raised his flag to disallow the effort, denying Pep Guardiola’s side, who had been reduced to ten men following Phil Foden’s dismissal in the opening period.
However, the Video Assistant Referee intervened and, after reviewing the incident, instructed on-field official Michael Oliver to award the goal.
The technology examined multiple freeze frames during the deliberation process, with replays appearing to show Haaland positioned behind the final United defender when the ball was played.
Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville expressed bewilderment at the eventual ruling, stating during Sky Sports coverage that the interpretation of the offside law had left him thoroughly confused.
The decision centred on whether Enzo Fernandez’s attempt at goal from an offside position impacted the play, with the assessment concluding that while the City midfielder had strayed ahead of the last defender, his effort did not constitute active involvement.
Following the reversal, City’s players mobbed each other in celebration, having spent most of the contest operating with a numerical disadvantage.
The earlier dismissal of Foden resulted from an altercation with United captain Bruno Fernandes.
The England international received his marching orders for violent conduct after appearing to kick out at Fernandes while the Portuguese midfielder was grounded.
Former United midfielder Roy Keane suggested both players shared responsibility for the incident, noting that Fernandes had committed a foul before delivering a further kick and that Foden had reacted foolishly.