Enzo Maresca shares what the fourth official said to him right after the controversial Erling Haaland goal in the Manchester derby.
Manchester City’s head coach, Enzo Maresca, shared what the fourth official told him right after Erling Haaland’s controversial goal in their 1-0 win over Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday (September 13).
City kept their perfect winning streak, even though they played most of the game with ten players after Phil Foden was sent off for kicking at Bruno Fernandes. Haaland’s goal in the 60th minute gave them all three points, but it sparked some debate.
The goal was first ruled offside, but then the decision was changed because Haaland was judged to be onside by official Patrick Dorgu. Even though City’s Enzo Fernandez tried to head the ball without actually touching it, and seemed to affect the play, the goal stood. The Premier League explained the decision on X, saying: “VAR checked the offside call, found Haaland onside, and recommended the goal be given. VAR also said Fernandez didn’t play the ball while in an offside position.”
Many fans, experts, and players were surprised and confused by the ruling, asking for a clearer explanation.
Later that evening, Pro Ref, the Premier League refereeing group, admitted they made a “judgement error.” They said the on-field call was offside but VAR found Haaland onside. Since Fernandez didn’t touch the ball, whether it was offside or not depends on his influence on the play. They said VAR missed how Fernandez’s position affected the play and should have advised a review on the field. They also contacted Manchester United to acknowledge their mistake and decided to review the incident.
After the match, both managers shared their thoughts. United’s boss, Michael Carrick, called the call “worrying.” He said, “I really don’t get it. With all the people and technology helping referees, how can they miss this? If the rules say you’re not interfering if you don’t touch the ball, even if you nearly do, that’s a problem. Plus, the offside line seemed unclear. It’s troubling if that’s how the officials see the game.”
Maresca, meanwhile, said he was sure the goal was “clearly onside” and that the fourth official told him so right after the play.
“Erling was onside,” Maresca said. “The fourth official told me that; he said the only question was about what happened with Fernandez in the middle. But I think it was clear that it was onside.”
City will play next at home against Norwich in the Carabao Cup third round on Thursday (September 17).