Pro Ref apologises to Manchester United as Arsenal seek officiating explanation

Premier League refereeing decisions have prompted an apology to Manchester United and a request for clarification from Arsenal, placing renewed scrutiny on how video reviews and set-piece incidents are assessed.

Pro Ref contacted Manchester United after acknowledging an “error of judgement” in Manchester City’s 1–0 derby win. Erling Haaland’s goal was initially ruled offside before VAR overturned the decision, but the refereeing body said team-mate Enzo Fernandez’s offside position should have led to an on-field review.

Fernandez did not touch the ball, but Pro Ref said the VAR did not recognise the likely impact of his position on an opponent. The incident will be reviewed. Rules expert Christina Unkel said the officials appeared to have overlooked possible interference with an opponent.

Arsenal are separately seeking an explanation from Pro Ref over set-piece officiating in their win over Sunderland, including a disputed penalty awarded after Ezri Konsa was judged to have fouled Daniel Ballard. Arsenal challenged the interpretation of the contact, while manager Mikel Arteta described the decision as unacceptable and said an error of that nature could affect the title race.

The penalty did not determine the result after David Raya saved from Enzo Le Fee before Bruno Guimaraes scored for Arsenal. The incident nevertheless falls within a broader focus by officials on “non-footballing actions” at set pieces, with Arsenal seeking clarity on both the specific decision and the wider approach.