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Is VAR worth it? Let us know your thoughts

Erling Haaland celebrates scoring the winning goal in the Manchester derbyGetty Images

Officials have admitted a mistake in awarding a controversial goal in the Manchester derby this weekend.

The winning goal by Erling Haaland was awarded by VAR, overruling the ref who had disallowed it.

It's once again put VAR (which stands for Video Assistant Referee) in the spotlight.

The system is meant to stop mistakes happening and make matches fairer, helping on-field officials by flagging things they've missed or 'clear and obvious errors' they've made.

But with mistakes still happening, delays to the match, and fans, players and managers unhappy, is VAR really worth the trouble? Or should it be scrapped?

We want to know what you think, should VAR be used in football? Is it worth it? Let us know in the comments.

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What happened in the Manchester derby?

Referee indicates that VAR will come into play during Manchester derbyGetty Images

Manchester City's star striker Erling Haaland helped his team team to a 1-0 win over Manchester United.

His goal has caused some controversy though. On the field it was disallowed for being offside.

But then the video assistant referee got involved and awarded the goal.

Manchester United's Patrick Dorgu had tried to block a cross to Haaland and VAR ruled that Dorgu's boot had made Haaland onside.

However to many fans there was a complication, it looked like the United defenders and goalie were put off by another Man City player, Enzo Fernandez - who was offside - getting in the way and putting them off.

The VAR team now say they should have spotted this and not awarded the goal as they did.

VAR pros and cons

Haaland scoring a goal against Manchester UnitedGetty Images

Haaland scored and the goal was given, but the VAR made a mistake

The whole point of VAR is to fix situations where the ref has missed something important on the field that he or she should have dealt with - for example a penalty or a foul.

The idea is that it allows experts to see everything, and so matches should be made fairer.

If the ref has made an error or not spotted something, VAR can point it out and even call the ref to a monitor to see it.

However it can cause problems too.

  • Some fans and ex-players say the ref should be in charge of the game, not VAR

  • VAR reviews can cause big delays in the match, leaving fans who can't always see a big screen, not knowing what's going on

  • There's fewer goal celebrations as players are often waiting or VAR to decide if the goal should stand

  • The whole point of VAR is to avoid mistakes happening, but the people reviewing the match are humans too and can make mistakes, just like the refs.

What has been said so far?

Sign showing VAR checking Haaland goalGetty Images

The decision to award Haaland's goal was later described as an "error of judgement" by Pro-Ref, which is the organisation that represents Premier League referees .

Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez said it was an "injustice" while United manager Michael Carrick said he was "confused" by the decision.

However Manchester City boss Enzo Maresca disagreed, saying: "I think it was onside clearly so it's good."

Former England and Man United captain Wayne Rooney, who is part of the BBC's MOTD team, said: "I am so sick of VAR. It is horrendous, it takes all the emotion out of the game and to not see it… anyone who has played the game recognises he is offside. To get it so wrong is baffling."

A review into what happened will take place.