THE “subjective” nature of VAR once again dominated a big game in the Premier League in the Manchester derby, and former Premier League referee Mark Halsey has weighed in on the debate.
Erling Haaland‘s strike on the hour was the difference between the teams, but there were a couple of grey areas surrounding the goal.
Ex-Prem ref Mark Halsey believes Erling Haaland’s goal should have been ruled out Credit: The Jattvibe
Haaland’s goal was eventually given by VAR Credit: Sky Sports
The Norwegian initially thought he was denied by the offside flag, but replays with the lines drawn from the technology actually showed Patrick Dorgu‘s foot played him on.
However, Enzo Fernandez launched himself at Josko Gvardiol‘s cross trying a diving header.
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The Argentine was clearly offside, hence the flga. But he was not adjudged to have been interfering with play as he didn’t touch the ball – which was the view from VAR.
In the end, the goal stood and City held on for all three points to ensure they, alongside Arsenal, started the season with maximum points and four wins from four.
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MARK HALSEY
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Halsey said: “We saw more controversy in the Manchester derby. Haaland has put Manchester City 1-0 up only for the assistant referee to rule the goal out as offside.
“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.
“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.
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Enzo Fernandez didn’t appear to touch the ball so was deemed NOT to be interfering with playCredit: Refer to source
Haaland’s goal was deemed onside by VAR Credit: Sky Sports
“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.”
It would have been hard to envisage City winning in the 23rd minute when Phil Foden was sent off for kicking out at Bruno Fernandes – something Halsey believes Michael Oliver got right.
Halsey said: “Phil Foden can have no complaints whatsoever about the red card shown to him by Michael Oliver for violent conduct. You can clearly see that while he’s on the ground, he clearly kicks Bruno Fernandes in the stomach – clear red card for violent conduct.
“Now, Bruno Fernandes was reacting to a little tap by Bruno Fernandes on his backside. It was a little tap – petulance not violence – and Bruno was lucky not to receive a yellow card.”
