Manchester Derby VAR Officials Dropped After Haaland Goal Error
The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) officials involved in Manchester City’s controversial 1-0 victory over Manchester United have been left out of this weekend’s Premier League appointments following an admitted refereeing error.
VAR Matt Donohue and assistant VAR Blake Antrobus were not selected for any Premier League fixture this weekend after Pro Ref, the body responsible for Premier League refereeing, acknowledged an “error of judgement” in the decision to award Erling Haaland’s winning goal.
The decision was made by Pro Ref chief refereeing officer Howard Webb and the organisation’s management team.
Haaland scored the decisive goal in the 60th minute at Old Trafford on Sunday, turning in Josko Gvardiol’s cross at the back post to give 10-man Manchester City a 1-0 victory.
The goal was initially ruled out for offside by the on-field officials.
However, following a VAR review, Haaland was deemed to have been played onside by Manchester United defender Patrick Dorgu’s boot.
The controversy centred on City’s Enzo Fernandez, who was in an offside position and attempted to reach the ball with a diving header before Haaland converted.
Although Fernandez did not make contact with the ball, Pro Ref admitted that his position should have prompted a review of whether he had interfered with play.
“It was established that Enzo Fernandez did not play the ball and therefore that makes any offside offence subjective,” Pro Ref said.
“However, on this occasion, the VAR did not recognise the likely impact of his position and should have recommended an on-field review.”
The decision has generated significant debate over the application of the offside rule and the role of VAR in determining whether an attacking player has interfered with play.
Manchester City held on despite being reduced to 10 men after Phil Foden was sent off in the 23rd minute.
The victory maintained City’s perfect start to the Premier League season, with Pep Guardiola’s side recording four wins from their opening four matches.
The latest development also adds to growing calls for greater transparency around VAR decisions, particularly concerning the possibility of making live audio from refereeing reviews available to supporters.
