By Tichaona Katsvamutima
The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) officials involved in the controversial decision to allow Erling Haaland’s goal in the Manchester derby have been dropped from Premier League duty this weekend.
VAR Matt Donohue and assistant VAR Blake Antrobus will not officiate in any Premier League matches after refereeing body Pro Ref ruled that an error was made in allowing Haaland’s goal to stand.
Haaland scored the only goal of the match in the 60th minute to give Manchester City a 1-0 victory, with the goal initially ruled out for offside before a lengthy VAR review overturned the decision.
Although Haaland himself was in an onside position, Pro Ref said VAR failed to consider the involvement of City midfielder Enzo Fernández, who was in an offside position and attempted to play the ball.
The refereeing body said Fernández’s position and involvement should have been considered in determining whether he interfered with play and that the incident should have been referred back to referee Michael Oliver for an on-field review.
The decision sparked strong criticism from Manchester United manager Michael Carrick, who questioned why the goal was allowed to stand.
The action against the two officials represents the first such stand-down of the Premier League season following a VAR error. Their availability is expected to be reviewed after the international break.
The incident has added to scrutiny of VAR and officiating in the Premier League, with Pro Ref acknowledging that the decision was incorrect despite the use of semi-automated offside technology.
