VAR dropped for incorrectly allowing Haaland’s winning goal in Manchester derby
The video assistant referee Matt Donohue and his deputy, Blake Antrobus, who officiated the Manchester Derby over the weekend and allowed Erling Haaland’s winner, have been dropped for this weekend’s Premier League games.
The decision comes after the English football refereeing body, Pro Ref, acknowledged the error, admitting that there was an “error of judgement” in awarding Haaland’s 60th-minute winner for City at Old Trafford on Sunday.
An on-field decision from Michael Oliver and the linesman initially disallowed the goal.
The controversial decision arose when VAR officials failed to identify that Enzo Fernandez had interfered with play from an offside position, attempting to head the ball after being caught up with Patrick Dorgu.
Pro Ref said the incident should have prompted an on-field review.
It added that it had contacted United as it acknowledged the error in the incident.
Chief refereeing officer Howard Webb said that the officials will be unavailable for Sunday’s league games, as their availability will be reviewed after the international break.
This is also the first time in any campaign that officials have stood down because of an error in a game.
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