Premier League warned legal action 'is coming' over VAR after Erling Haaland blunder

· Mirror

Erling Haaland's goal against Manchester United may have already scored the most controversial goal we'll see in the Premier League this season

Former top level referee Janie Frampton believes it's only a matter of time before a club will contemplate legal action against the Premier League over VAR errors such as Erling Haaland's goal against Manchester United.

Pro Ref have already admitted the Manchester City forward's winner against the Red Devils should have been ruled out for offside - as Enzo Fernandez had strayed in front of the back four and impacted play - and apologised for the mistake. Despite their verdict, the goal stood as the VAR officials at the time believed Fernandez did not interfere with play.

City went on to win the match 1-0 and move level on points with Arsenal at the top of the table. With things like the title race, European qualification and relegation all decided by tiny margins, Frampton is convinced a club will issue a legal claim against the top division of English football.

Speaking to BBC Radio 4, she said: "I think that is coming. So, if we look at a scenario at the end of the season and you look at the fact that, say Man City win the Premier League with two points, there is always going to be a question over this one game and this one decision.

> "I think with the amount of money slushing around in football now you are, at some point, going to get somebody who challenges that."

When asked how she would adapt the use of technology in football, she replied: "I would have a complete overhaul now, of VAR, and the overhaul probably starts at the outcome of the decision and works backwards. So it is a case of who makes the final decision?

> "And then work backward as to how that is made. And who has the autonomy on the final decision? When you look at Michael Oliver, there is no more experienced referee in this country and he disallowed the goal.

> "How on Earth was VAR allowed to overrule him? I believe really strongly that Michael is also at fault here, he should have overruled VAR."

The result has meant United have began the campaign with two defeats, one win and one draw. In terms of losses, Michael Carrick has already amassed as many Premier League defeats this season than he did throughout his temporary reign last year, after he took over from Ruben Amorim.

When asked about the decision in his post-match interview, Carrick said: "At the time I hadn’t totally seen it. But the explanation I got was he wasn’t interfering with play, so I just don’t get it. I can’t understand how they’re trying to help referees and putting so many layers behind them with so many people, screens, and so many whatever offices to try and come up with the right decisions.

> “If that’s how the rules are interpreted, that you’re not interfering with play because you’ve thrown yourself at the ball six yards from goal and pretty much nearly touched it, which then Lisandro has to react from – it’s worrying if that’s really how the game’s seen by those who are officiating it.”

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