Manchester Derby VAR Officials STAND DOWN After Erling Haaland Controversy — Pro Ref Admits ‘Error Of Judgement’

The officials at the centre of the explosive Manchester derby VAR controversy have been stood down following the decision to award Erling Haaland’s winning goal for Manchester City against Manchester United.

Matt Donohue and Blake Antrobus, who were working in the VAR booth during Sunday’s 1-0 City victory at Old Trafford, have been removed from officiating duty until at least after the international break.

The decision was made by Pro Ref Chief Refereeing Officer Howard Webb and the organisation’s management team following the fallout from the disputed second-half goal.

VAR Decision Put Officials Under Pressure

Haaland’s effort was initially ruled offside by the on-field officials before VAR intervened and recommended that the goal be awarded.

The Norwegian was ultimately judged to have been in an onside position, with Patrick Dorgu’s outstretched leg appearing to play him on.

However, the more contentious element involved Enzo Fernandez, who was in an offside position while attempting to connect with Josko Gvardiol’s cross.

Lisandro Martinez was positioned between Fernandez and Haaland and was left furious by the decision. The Manchester United defender was visibly frustrated during an angry post-match interview with Sky Sports.

United boss Michael Carrick also admitted he was “very worried” about the perception created by the incident.

Pro Ref Admits VAR Should Have Recommended Review

The controversy intensified when Pro Ref later apologised to Manchester United and admitted an “error of judgement” had been made.

A spokesperson said the on-field decision had been offside against Haaland, but VAR correctly established that the striker himself was in an onside position.

However, the organisation acknowledged that Fernandez’s position should have triggered a different response.

“On this occasion, the VAR did not recognise the likely impact of his position and should have recommended an on-field review,” the spokesperson said.

“Contact has been made with Manchester United this evening to acknowledge what we deem is an error of judgement. A review of the incident will take place.”

That admission has now been followed by the decision to stand down the officials involved.

Donohue Also Misses Carabao Cup Duty

Donohue was the lead VAR for the Manchester derby and had already been involved in three Premier League matches this season.

His absence this weekend represents his first omission from a top-flight appointment this term.

He will also miss the Carabao Cup third round, despite European clubs being involved in cup action.

Antrobus has likewise been stood down as Pro Ref reviews the decision that ultimately handed City three points in the derby.

The organisation had previously attempted to clarify the incident through the Premier League Match Centre on X, stating that VAR had determined Haaland was onside and that Fernandez had not played the ball.

But the subsequent acknowledgement that Fernandez’s position should have prompted an on-field review has left the controversial winner under an even brighter spotlight.

For United, the damage was already done: Haaland’s goal stood, City won 1-0, and the officials involved are now facing a spell away from the action.