VAR 'tunnel vision' caused Manchester derby goal error, says Webb

Howard Webb, chief executive of Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), attributed the error to a failure in the video assistant referee system's decision-making process during the high-profile match between Manchester United and Manchester City.

Webb explained that the tunnel vision phenomenon—where officials became overly focused on a specific aspect of play while losing sight of the broader context—contributed to the incorrect goal award. The goal in question involved Haaland and raised questions about the accuracy of VAR intervention in the Premier League's most-watched fixture.

The admission highlights ongoing concerns about consistency and decision-making in the use of video technology in English football. VAR, introduced to reduce clear and obvious errors, has frequently been the subject of controversy when controversial decisions are made.

The Manchester derby is one of the most scrutinized matches in the English football calendar, and such errors draw heightened attention to the VAR system's effectiveness. Webb's acknowledgment represents a rare public admission of fault from football's refereeing authorities and signals a need for improved protocols in video review procedures.