Full Breakdown
VAR “Tunnel-Vision” Error Gives Manchester City a Controversial Derby Win
By Drooid · · How we work
The Incident
On a Sunday at Old Trafford, Manchester City’s Erling Haaland scored the only goal of the match in the 60th minute, securing a 1-0 victory over Manchester United. The strike was initially ruled out for off-side, but a video-assistant referee (VAR) review overturned the decision, deeming Haaland on-side after a semi-automated off-side check. The VAR team failed to consider the off-side position of City midfielder Enzo Fernández, who dived forward and interfered with United defender Lisandro Martínez and goalkeeper Senne Lammens. Pro Ref later classified the incident as an “error of judgment” because the officials did not assess Fernández’s impact on the play.
Background & Context
VAR was introduced to correct “clear and obvious” errors, combining human expertise with technology. In this Premier League fixture, the VAR officials—lead VAR Matt Donohue and assistant Blake Antrobus—focused on Haaland’s position and overlooked Fernández’s off-side interference, a situation that has reignited debate over VAR’s dominance in decision-making.
Official Statements & Responses
The body confirmed it had contacted Manchester United to acknowledge the mistake and that the VAR officials would be stood down until after the international break.
He added that the officials would not be appointed for the upcoming Premier League fixtures.
Criticism & Opposition
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick called the decision “worrying” and said an apology would be welcome, emphasizing that the interpretation of “interfering with play” seemed “staggering.” United defender Lisandro Martínez described the outcome as an “injustice,” arguing that Fernández’s off-side presence forced him to react and left the goalkeeper unable to make a proper save. Former United striker Wayne Rooney labelled the VAR usage in the incident “horrendous.”
Data & Statistics
- Goal minute: 60th minute
- Final score: Manchester City 1 – 0 Manchester United
- Manchester City played the second half with 10 men after Phil Foden’s red card in the 23rd minute
- VAR officials Matt Donohue and Blake Antrobus were stood down for the weekend’s Premier League matches and the Carabao Cup third round
Verbatim Quotes
- “I was really disappointed with this outcome. We all are. None more so than the officials themselves,” — Howard Webb, pro ref chief
- “- Ogden: Manchester derby mess shows VAR's quest for perfection is doomed to fail - Manchester derby reaction: City's 10-man master class - VAR review: Decision behind Manchester derby goal explained "In that moment, he [Donohue] gets tunnel vision," Webb said.” — Howard Webb, pro ref chief
- “It’s a bit of a nonsense, isn’t it?” — Howard Webb, pro ref chief
- “They take a lot of personal pride in what they do and they’re obviously hurting now, having fallen short in this situation. They’ll not be officiating again until after the international break.” — Howard Webb, pro ref chief
What’s Next
Pro Ref has pledged a review of the incident and will reassess the standing of Donohue and Antrobus after the international break. Howard Webb is scheduled to appear on the “Match Officials Mic’d Up” programme to explain the decision-making process and outline steps to prevent similar errors.