Football NewsMirror FootballUnverified source· 13 Sept 2026
Rooney slams VAR as Man City derby winner stands
Wayne Rooney led the backlash after VAR allowed Erling Haaland's controversial winner in the Manchester derby.


D. Rooney
player
Competition
Manchester derby
Score
Man City 1-0 Man Utd
Scorer
Erling Haaland
Red card
Phil Foden
What happened. Manchester City's winning goal in the Manchester derby was allowed to stand by VAR after initially being ruled out for offside. The decision sparked a huge backlash among fans and pundits, with Wayne Rooney leading the criticism.
- Phil Foden was sent off for kicking Bruno Fernandes.
- VAR ruled Haaland onside due to a touch from Patrick Dorgu.
- Enzo Fernandez was offside and attempting to reach the cross.
The controversial VAR decision is likely to fuel further debate about the use of technology in football.
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