BREAKING NEWS: PGMOL Issues Official Apology to Manchester United After Dorgu Disallowed Goal Controversy — FA Finally Admits Error
Manchester United have finally received official acknowledgment over one of the most hotly disputed refereeing moments of the season, after the Professional Game Match Officials Limited admitted fault for the controversial VAR decision that ruled out Patrick Dorgu’s goal against Wolves. The apology follows a detailed review by the Football Association, which concluded that a serious officiating mistake influenced the outcome of the match.
The incident, which dominated post-match discussions across the football world, occurred during a tense second half at Old Trafford. Dorgu appeared to have given United a crucial lift after finishing off a slick attacking move, and the goal was initially allowed to stand. However, VAR intervened moments later, triggering a prolonged review that ended with the effort being ruled out. Supporters inside the stadium were left confused, as no clear justification was provided, while television replays failed to reveal any obvious foul, offside, or infringement.
As footage of the incident circulated, anger spread rapidly. Former players expressed disbelief, pundits criticised the decision as another example of VAR overreach, and fans accused officials of inconsistency and bias. The pressure mounted until, days later, PGMOL released a statement conceding that the wrong call had been made. According to the refereeing body, the VAR officials applied an incorrect interpretation of the laws and should not have recommended overturning the on-field decision.
The admission has offered a sense of validation for Manchester United supporters who felt robbed on the night, but it has also deepened frustration within the club. The dropped points came in a match where United controlled long spells and were pushing for momentum at a crucial stage of the season. With European qualification finely balanced, the impact of that single decision could yet prove significant.
Behind the scenes, the reaction at Old Trafford has reportedly been far from satisfied. While public comments were measured, sources suggest there was anger that an error of such magnitude occurred despite the presence of VAR. One senior figure is believed to have dismissed the apology as meaningless, noting that acknowledgment does nothing to reverse the damage already done. Ruben Amorim, though calm in front of the cameras after the final whistle, was said to be deeply unhappy privately, convinced the decision disrupted his game plan in the closing stages.
For Dorgu himself, the episode was especially bitter. The defender had delivered one of his most assured performances in a United shirt, and his disallowed goal should have marked a defining moment in the match. Instead, he was left visibly disappointed at full-time. Since then, fans have rallied behind him, praising his display and describing the decision as an injustice that denied him a deserved reward.
The fallout intensified further once PGMOL’s statement became public. Social media platforms were flooded with criticism of VAR, with supporters questioning why mistakes are only admitted after points have been lost. Calls for greater transparency, including the release of VAR audio, have grown louder, alongside demands for stronger accountability for officials involved in high-profile errors.
This episode has also reignited wider concerns about VAR’s role in the Premier League. Manchester United are far from the only club to feel aggrieved this season, as inconsistent interpretations, unclear communication, and delayed explanations continue to undermine confidence in the system. Former referees and analysts have repeatedly warned that without clearer standards and openness, controversies like this will persist.
While United will not have their result altered, the incident has placed increased scrutiny on future officiating decisions and added pressure on governing bodies to demonstrate meaningful change. For now, the apology stands as an official acknowledgment that a wrong was done, but for those affected, it serves as a reminder that in modern football, justice is often recognised only after it is too late.
