Howard Webb Admits VAR ‘Tunnel Vision’ Led to Controversial Manchester City Goal

Refereeing chief Howard Webb confirms VAR officials missed a critical offside call during the Manchester derby, citing tunnel vision in the review process.

Editorial Desk

September 15, 2026 One Min Read

POLICY WIRE — Manchester, United Kingdom — Premier League refereeing chief Howard Webb has acknowledged a significant officiating error during Sunday’s Manchester derby, attributing the mistake to tunnel vision within the video assistant referee team.

The controversy centers on a goal scored by Erling Haaland, which secured a 1-0 victory for Manchester City. Officials failed to determine whether Manchester City midfielder Enzo Fernandez was interfering with play during the buildup to the decisive strike.

📄 POLICY WIRE WHITEPAPER PUBLISHED: PAKISTAN’S NATIONAL SECURITY POLICY PRIORITIES

👉 READ BY CLICKING HERE

In response to the oversight, the Premier League has provided Manchester United leadership with the full audio recordings of the discussions between match officials and the VAR team. Webb expressed his deep disappointment regarding the incident, confirming that VAR Matt Donohue missed the offside call.

The admission follows intense scrutiny over the decision-making process during the high-stakes match. By releasing the audio, the league aims to provide clarity on how the officiating team arrived at the controversial conclusion.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)

Author

Editorial Desk

Policy Wire is your go-to editorial hub for insightful perspectives and informed analysis on pressing policy issues, both regionally and globally. Over the years, Policy Wire has collaborated with leading international news agencies—including AFP, AP, Reuters, and others—to provide fact-based reporting and nuanced commentary. With a commitment to clarity and credibility, we aim to bridge the gap between complex policy debates and public understanding, ensuring that our readers stay informed on the issues shaping the world today.