Full Breakdown
VAR “Tunnel Vision” Blunder in Manchester Derby Sparks Calls for Reform
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
On September 13, the Premier League match between Manchester United and Manchester City at Old Trafford ended 1-0 to City after Erling Haaland’s second-half strike was allowed to stand. VAR officials Matt Donohue and Blake Antrobus confirmed Haaland was on-side but missed that Enzo Fernández, positioned off-side, interfered with the defence. Pro Ref chief refereeing officer Howard Webb described the oversight as “tunnel vision” and announced the VAR duo would be stood down until after the international break.
Background & Context
The incident followed an on-field off-side flag on Haaland’s attempt. Semi-automated off-side technology showed Haaland on-side by three centimetres, yet the VAR review did not apply the off-side rule to Fernández, who obstructed Lisandro Martínez and goalkeeper Senne Lammens. Under current law, a player in an off-side position can be penalised if he interferes with an opponent, even without touching the ball. The failure reignited debate over VAR consistency and the interpretation of accidental handball offences, which Webb has also called “a bit of a nonsense.”
Data & Statistics
- Goal: Erling Haaland (Manchester City) – 60th minute, awarded after VAR review.
- Off-side position: Enzo Fernández (Manchester United) – no ball contact, judged to have impacted play.
- Disciplinary action: Donohue and Antrobus removed from Premier League duties for the weekend and the Carabao Cup third round.
- Additional fallout: Phil Foden (Manchester City) received a red card for violent conduct; Webb upheld the decision.
Official Statements & Responses
Webb confirmed the VAR team’s focus on Haaland caused them to overlook Fernández’s impact and that the officials would not work again until after the international break. Pro Ref issued a formal apology, calling the incident an “error of judgment” and noting they had contacted Manchester United to acknowledge the mistake. Webb also reiterated his view that the accidental-handball law should be revised to avoid “ridiculous situations” like the earlier Ipswich-United incident involving Harry Maguire.
Verbatim Quote
- “I was really disappointed with this outcome. We all are,” — Howard Webb, Pro Ref chief
Why It Matters
The error directly altered the result of a high-profile derby, influencing the league table early in the season. It underscores systemic issues in VAR protocols, particularly the need for comprehensive assessment of off-side impacts beyond the ball-touch criterion. Webb’s call for reform of the accidental-handball rule adds to scrutiny of how technology interacts with the Laws of the Game.
What’s Next
Pro Ref has pledged a review of the incident and will implement lessons to prevent similar “tunnel-vision” errors. The disciplinary suspension of Donohue and Antrobus remains in effect until after the international break, after which their future assignments will be reassessed. Webb is slated to appear on the “Match Officials Mic’d Up” programme to detail the review findings and discuss potential rule changes.