Football NewsMirror FootballUnverified source· 15 Sept 2026
VAR storm over Haaland goal sparks legal action warning
A former top referee says it's only a matter of time before a club sues the Premier League over VAR errors.


E. Haaland
player
Match
Man City 1-0 Man Utd
Goal
Haaland winner
Ruling
Should have been offside
Admission
Pro Ref apologised
What happened. Pro Ref admitted Erling Haaland's winner against Manchester United should have been ruled out for offside, because Enzo Fernandez had strayed in front of the back four and impacted play. The goal stood as VAR officials believed Fernandez did not interfere with play, and City won 1-0 to move level on points with Arsenal at the top.
- Former referee Janie Frampton believes a club will eventually take legal action against the Premier League over VAR errors.
- Pro Ref apologised for the mistake but the goal was allowed to stand.
- The result left City level on points with Arsenal at the top of the table.
“It's only a matter of time before a club will contemplate legal action against the Premier League over VAR errors”
— Janie Frampton
With the title race, European qualification and relegation all decided by tiny margins, Frampton expects a club to issue a legal claim against the top division.
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