VAR officials stood down after ‘error of judgement’ on Haaland’s derby winner

Matt Donohue, the video assistant referee who oversaw the process that incorrectly allowed Erling Haaland’s winning goal in the Manchester derby, has been dropped from officiating duties this coming weekend. Assistant VAR Blake Antrobus will also sit out after Pro Ref admitted an “error of judgement” was made in applying VAR to the only goal of Manchester City’s win at Old Trafford.

According to The Athletic, Pro Ref’s chief refereeing officer Howard Webb and the body’s management team decided neither official would work until after the international break. The VAR failed to flag Enzo Fernandez’s offside position, which should have prompted an on-field review before Haaland’s goal was awarded.