Manchester United legend Peter Schmeichel believes the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) “sucks all the energy” from football and should be scrapped following Erling Haaland’s controversial goal in the Manchester derby.
Haaland turned in Joško Gvardiol’s cross in the 60th minute. Initially, it was disallowed for offside, but after VAR checks, the goal was awarded. Pro Ref would later describe it as an “error of judgment.”
The former Manchester United goalkeeper said VAR is interfering with football and should be scrapped.
“I wish that we could scrap VAR,” Schmeichel said during punditry duties with Viaplay. “We’ve got into a system now where VAR and the referees are the most important people in football. It sucks all the energy out of it. As soon as there is a goal, you’re not allowed to celebrate.
“We saw after five minutes, the players and the fans could celebrate — but it’s not the same. The ball goes in the back of the net, it’s a goal, but then the linesman puts his flag up for offside.
“I wish, and I’m longing for these days, we could scrap VAR because it’s such an annoyance and it’s interfering with football. And it hasn’t made it better.”
Schmeichel er lei🎯 pic.twitter.com/XDrqfgTFYD
— Wegard Bakkehaug (@wegardb) September 13, 2026
Haaland’s controversial goal ensured Manchester City earned bragging rights against their rivals, despite the Red Devils having a numerical advantage following Phil Foden’s dismissal in the 23rd minute.
The Premier League Match Centre had clarified that VAR “determined that Haaland was in an onside position” and “deemed that while in an offside position, [Enzo] Fernández didn’t play the ball.”
However, Pro Ref concluded on Sunday that the VAR “did not recognise the likely impact” of Fernández’s position and “should have recommended an on-field review.”
Former Manchester United player Gary Neville also voiced his frustration at the call.
“I’m going to need the offside law explaining to me, because that has lost me, I have to say,” he said. “I do think when they look back on this, they will recognise they got it wrong.”
