VAR Error Leads to Stand-Down of Manchester Derby Officials

During the Manchester derby at Old Trafford, Manchester City’s Erling Haaland scored the decisive 1-0 goal in the 60th minute. On-field referee Michael Oliver initially ruled the strike offside. After a VAR review, lead VAR Matt Donohue determined Haaland was onside and awarded the goal. The review did not flag Manchester United midfielder Enzo Fernández, who was in an off-side position and appeared to interfere with play. Pro Ref, the English refereeing body, later described the decision as an “error of judgement” because Fernández’s impact was not considered.

The IndependentNew York TimesBlundering Manchester derby VAR officials set to be BLOCKED from working on Man United matches after being stood down for 'error of judgement' in allowing Erling Haaland's offside winner to stand VAR officials stood down after Haaland goal in Manchester derby

The incident occurred in a high-stakes derby that saw City play with ten men after Phil Foden’s early red card. Semi-automated off-side technology was used to assess Haaland’s position, confirming he was level with defender Patrick Dorgu.

The Independent

Pro Ref’s chief refereeing officer Howard Webb and the management team announced that both Donohue and assistant VAR Blake Antrobus would not be assigned to any Premier League fixtures for the upcoming round. The body said the officials’ availability would be reconsidered only after the international break. A Pro Ref spokesperson added that the organisation had contacted Manchester United to acknowledge the error and that a formal review of the incident would be undertaken.

Manchester Derby VAR Officials Axed After ‘Error of Judgement’ on Erling Haaland Goal

• Goal: Erling Haaland, 60th minute, Manchester City 1-0 Manchester United.

VAR officials stood down after Haaland goal in Manchester derby

• Off-side technology confirmed Haaland was onside; Fernández was off-side and attempted to head the cross.

Mirror - UK

• This is the first instance this season that VAR officials have been stood down for an error.

Reuters

• The result moved Manchester City to 12 points, level with league leaders Arsenal on goal difference; Manchester United remained on four points in 13th place.

VAR officials stood down after Haaland goal in Manchester derby

Pro Ref indicated that Donohue and Antrobus will remain unavailable for Premier League duties until after the international break. Their future appointments will be reviewed at that time, with no guarantee of immediate reinstatement.

The Guardian

• “Following the incident in the 60th minute of Sunday's Premier League fixture between Manchester United and Manchester City at Old Trafford, we can provide clarification regarding Erling Haaland's awarded goal. JOIN US ON FACEBOOK! Latest news, analysis and much more on Mirror Football's Facebook page” — Pro Ref spokesperson

Mirror - UK