Micah Richards slams VAR 'injustice' after controversial Manchester derby

The Manchester derby, which saw a hard-fought 1-0 win for Manchester City over Manchester United, has been overshadowed by intense scrutiny regarding the officiating. Former City star Micah Richards was blunt in his post-match assessment, arguing that the officials failed to handle the game's high-pressure moments correctly.

Richards voiced significant frustration over both on-field calls and VAR interventions. He specifically questioned the decision to send off Phil Foden just 23 minutes into the match following an incident with United captain Bruno Fernandes. Furthermore, he criticized the controversial decision to allow Erling Haaland's decisive goal.

I think it's been a bad day for referees, I think it's been a bad day for VAR. I think they got the Phil Foden decision wrong after 23 minutes and they got this [Erling Haaland's goal] decision wrong. How you can say Enzo Fernandez is not challenging? Of course he is. Micah Richards

The goal itself became a major talking point after the Professional Game Referees body took the rare step of contacting Manchester United to admit an "error of judgement." While VAR initially ruled that Haaland's strike should stand, the officiating body later conceded that the system failed to recognize the impact of Fernandez's positioning and should have recommended an on-field review.

Despite the adversity of playing with 10 men for most of the game, City managed to secure all three points. Richards praised the spirit and tactical discipline shown by Enzo Maresca's side under pressure.

Meanwhile, former United captain Roy Keane suggested that United failed to capitalize on their numerical advantage. He noted that the Red Devils lacked the composure needed to break down City's defense, arguing that the visitors were "smarter" and more streetwise in their tactical approach during the chaotic encounter.