What does the released VAR audio contain?
The recording opens with the on-field decision that Haaland was offside. The semi-automated system then indicated the Norwegian striker was onside. Donachie informed referee Michael Oliver that a full review of the attacking phase was required. The VAR official described Haaland’s position as normal and stated that the entire sequence needed examination before any final call. The dialogue continued with Donachie explaining the need to verify the complete build-up after confirming the position. He told Oliver to wait while the full check took place, repeating that Haaland was in a normal position but stressing the requirement for the complete review of the phase.
Attention then turned to whether Enzo Fernandez had touched the ball. Multiple angles were requested. The officials concluded there was no contact and that a clear gap existed between Fernandez and the ball. Donachie confirmed the absence of contact and instructed the referee to award the goal. The review ended with the explicit statement that the decision must change to a goal. The audio captured repeated requests for closer views and confirmation that no contact occurred, leading directly to the instruction to award the goal and end the check. Exact lines include: “Η απόφαση στον αγωνιστικό χώρο είναι οφσάιντ. Ελέγχουμε την απόφαση για οφσάιντ στον Χάαλαντ”, followed by the semi-automated finding of a normal position, then “Δεν υπάρχει επαφή εκεί, επιβεβαιώστε ότι δεν υπάρχει επαφή. Δεν υπάρχει. Θέλω κάτι πιο κοντινό. Υπάρχει καθαρό κενό. Δεν την ακουμπάει εκεί, έτσι; Άλλη γωνία”, and finally “Γκολ. Μάικλ, επιβεβαιώνω ότι πρέπει να αλλάξεις την απόφασή σου σε γκολ. Ο Χάαλαντ βρίσκεται σε κανονική θέση. Τελική απόφαση: γκολ. Ο έλεγχος ολοκληρώθηκε”.
Why did the VAR process draw criticism?
The review concentrated on whether Fernandez made contact with the ball rather than whether his position interfered with Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez. This narrow focus meant the potential distracting effect on the defender was not evaluated. Howard Webb, head of English refereeing, described the approach as a limited view that failed to consider the full impact of Fernandez’s location on the phase. The process therefore stopped short of examining the possible influence on the defender despite the exposed position of the Argentine midfielder.
Pro Ref issued a statement acknowledging the error. The organisation noted that once offside was ruled out for Haaland, the question of interference became a matter of judgment. The VAR should have recommended an on-field review on the monitor to assess Fernandez’s influence. Contact was made with Manchester United to recognise the mistake, and an internal review of the incident was scheduled. The statement emphasised that the VAR failed to recognise the possible effect of Fernandez’s position and should have advised a monitor review for the referee. The exact wording highlights that the VAR “did not recognise the possible influence of the position” and “should have recommended a review of the phase by the referee via the monitor”.
How does the audio align with the final decision?
The sequence in the recording matches the outcome on the pitch: the goal stood. The officials moved from an initial offside flag through position checks to a determination that no ball contact occurred. The final instruction from Donachie to Oliver was clear and direct, confirming the change to a goal. No further intervention took place during the match. The audio ends with the confirmation that the goal should be awarded and the review completed.
Observers noted that the audio does not address the possible effect of Fernandez on the defender. This omission formed the basis of the later admission by Pro Ref that the review was incomplete. The released recording therefore shows exactly how the on-field call was overturned but also reveals the limited scope of the checks that were performed. The published clip matches the dialogue described in the official Pro Ref clarification released after the match.
What was the match context for the goal?
Haaland scored the only goal in the Manchester derby between Manchester United and Manchester City at Old Trafford. The strike gave City a 1-0 win. The incident occurred in the 60th minute and immediately prompted debate about the offside call and the role of Fernandez in the build-up. The publication of the VAR audio on 15 September 2026 renewed discussion across British football media. The goal remained the decisive moment in the contest between the two Manchester clubs.
Frequently asked questions
Was Haaland offside when the goal was scored?
The semi-automated system determined that Haaland was in an onside position. The VAR review confirmed this reading before the goal was awarded.
Did Enzo Fernandez touch the ball during the move?
The audio shows repeated checks of multiple camera angles. Officials concluded there was no contact between Fernandez and the ball.
Why was the decision later described as an error?
Pro Ref stated that the VAR did not evaluate whether Fernandez’s position influenced defender Lisandro Martinez. This aspect should have prompted a monitor review.
Who released the VAR audio?
The recording was made public on 15 September 2026 through social media accounts covering Premier League matters. Its content matches the dialogue described in official statements.
Will any further action follow the acknowledged mistake?
Pro Ref indicated that an internal review of the incident will take place. No additional disciplinary measures were announced in the initial statement.
