VAR Officials Dropped from Premier League Fixtures Following Controversial Manchester Derby Goal

Matt Donohue, the video assistant referee (VAR) who allowed Erling Haaland’s winner in Manchester City’s 1-0 victory over Manchester United, has been left off the roster for next weekend’s Premier League football fixtures.

Assistant VAR Blake Antrobus also received no assignment after Pro Ref acknowledged in a statement that the VAR decision to allow Haaland’s decisive goal was incorrect. Chief refereeing officer Howard Webb and the management team made the decision, and neither official is expected to return to duty until at least after the international break.

Haaland’s second-half strike initially faced a ruling for offside before a VAR review awarded the goal, determining the Norwegian striker was onside. Yet, the refereeing body subsequently stated the VAR failed to account for the impact of teammate Enzo Fernandez, who tried playing the ball from an offside position.

Manchester United currently sits 13th in the English top flight after the defeat, preparing to face Brighton in the League Cup on Wednesday before a Sunday Premier League match at Fulham. Meanwhile, Manchester City plays Norwich City in the cup on Thursday and hosts Sunderland on Sunday in the league, sharing equal points with leaders and defending champions Arsenal.