Manchester derby: VAR officials axed over controversial Haaland goal
by Moronfolu Adeyemi · The Eagle OnlineVAR officials Matt Donohue and Blake Antrobus have been stood down following the controversial decision to award Erling Haaland’s winning goal in Manchester City’s victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford.
Donohue, the lead video assistant referee who handled the review, will not officiate in this weekend’s Premier League fixtures or the midweek Carabao Cup matches. Assistant VAR Antrobus has also been left out of the appointments.
The decision followed Pro Ref’s admission that an “error of judgement” occurred during the VAR review of the decisive goal.
Haaland’s effort was initially ruled out for offside, with the Manchester City striker positioned ahead of Patrick Dorgu as Enzo Fernandez moved towards the cross from an offside position.
The VAR team subsequently overturned the on-field decision and allowed the goal to stand.
A Pro Ref spokesperson later acknowledged that the video referee “did not recognise the likely impact of his (Fernandez’s) position and should have recommended an on-field review.”
The decision to stand down the officials was taken by Pro Ref chief refereeing officer Howard Webb and his executive team, with neither Donohue nor Antrobus expected to feature in the top flight until after the upcoming international break.
Also Read:
- Anambra: We’re still repaying loans borrowed under Obi, others
- I got my first private jet at 22 – Dangote
- From Melody To Meaning: How Olatunji Abosede Imoleayo is using her music to inspire, impact by Juliana Francis
- FG, unions meet over King’s College concession
- Strike: Resumption halted in Federal Unity Colleges in Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu
Pro Ref also contacted Manchester United directly over the incident.
The officiating body said: “Contact has been made with Manchester United to acknowledge what we deem is an error of judgement. A review of the incident will take place.”
Premier League rules state that a player can be penalised if they are clearly attempting to play a ball that is close and their action affects an opponent.
In the incident, Fernandez was being marked by Lisandro Martinez, who had dropped back to cover the threat, leaving Haaland unmarked at the back post.
The controversy was further compounded by the Premier League match centre’s explanation during the game.
The match centre said: “VAR checked the referee’s call of no goal for offside – and determined that Haaland was in an onside position and recommended that the goal was awarded.
“The VAR also deemed that while in an offside position, Fernandez didn’t play the ball.”
Donohue had been a regular VAR official this season, having previously overseen video reviews for Brighton’s opening-day victory over Aston Villa and Newcastle’s draw with Bournemouth.
[wpadcenter_ad id='745970' align='none']