Referees' Chief Confirms VAR Missed Offside Check on Derby Winner

Howard Webb, head of the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), has admitted that the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) did not review a potential offside call in the build-up to Erling Haaland's winning goal in the recent Manchester derby. This oversight means a standard protocol, the consideration of an offside in the attacking phase of play, was not followed.

The admission by Webb adds further scrutiny to the controversial goal and raises questions about the consistency and application of VAR procedures in crucial moments of high-profile matches. The failure to even consider the offside, despite the goal's significance, is likely to fuel ongoing debates about the effectiveness and implementation of the technology in football.