Lisandro Martinez Denounces 'Injustice' Over Haaland's Goal

Lisandro Martinez expressed anger over what he termed an 'injustice' after Erling Haaland's controversial winning goal for Manchester City was allowed to stand during the Manchester derby at Old Trafford on September 12, 2026. Haaland's goal marked his record-breaking ninth in the Premier League, giving City a victory despite being down to ten men following Phil Foden's sending-off in the 23rd minute for kicking Bruno Fernandes.

Manchester United felt aggrieved that VAR official Matt Donohue ruled Enzo Fernandez was not offside during the build-up. Fernandez, who was in a position that could have impacted play, did not touch the ball while competing with Martinez for a cross from Josko Gvardiol.

Martinez said, "It's the best league in the world, you have the best teams in the world, the best players in the world, and now we have to go home with this injustice. I think it was offside. What I can't understand is the rules. He (Fernandez) was there, in front of me, and I went to him. So that's why Haaland was free at the back. It's so hard because you lose a derby and you lose three points at home. Every season they're coming to our club and explaining the rules for an hour-and-a-half. They look so confident, and then after that five or six people are making these kinds of mistakes. It's unacceptable."

United head coach Michael Carrick echoed Martinez's sentiments, stating, "I really don't get it. I can't understand how they're trying to help referees by putting so many layers behind them – with so many people, so many bodies, so many screens – and you're not interfering with play because you've thrown yourself at the ball six yards from goal and nearly touched it. It's worrying if that's really how the game's seen by those who are officiating it."

When asked about the Professional Game Referees body previously issuing apologies, Carrick remarked sarcastically, "That would be great, I can't wait for that one! It's best left, I think. I don't really know how you go and get another explanation on that one."

Following Carrick's comments, Pro Ref did release an apology, admitting a mistake was made. A spokesperson stated, "Following the incident in the 60th minute of Sunday's Premier League fixture between Manchester United and Manchester City at Old Trafford, we can provide clarification regarding Erling Haaland's awarded goal. The on-field decision was offside against Erling Haaland – that was checked by VAR and he was found to be in an onside position. In the same attack, it was established that Enzo Fernandez did not play the ball and therefore that makes any offside offence subjective. However, on this occasion, the VAR did not recognize the situation appropriately."