Pro Ref chief Webb says VAR 'tunnel vision' led to Manchester derby error

15 Sep 2026, 17:22 · CNA · Join

Soccer Football - Premier League - Manchester United v Manchester City - Old Trafford, Manchester, Britain - September 13, 2026 Manchester City's Erling Haaland scores their first goal REUTERS/Scott Heppell

Soccer Football - Premier League - Manchester United v Manchester City - Old Trafford, Manchester, Britain - September 13, 2026 Manchester City's Erling Haaland reacts as referee Michael Oliver awards their first goal following a VAR review Action Images via Reuters/Jason Cairnduff

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Sept 15 : Pro Ref chief Howard Webb said "tunnel vision" led VAR officials to wrongly award Erling Haaland's goal in Sunday's Manchester derby at Old Trafford.

Haaland's second-half strike was initially ruled out for offside before being allowed to stand following a VAR review that concluded the Manchester City forward was onside.

Pro Ref, the body responsible for refereeing in English professional football, later acknowledged the goal should not have been awarded because VAR failed to properly assess the involvement of teammate Enzo Fernandez, who attempted to play the ball from an offside position.

"I was really disappointed with this outcome. We all are. None more so than the officials themselves," Webb, Pro Ref's chief refereeing officer, said on Match Officials Mic'd Up on Sky Sports and TNT Sports.

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"They take a lot of personal pride in what they do, and they're obviously hurting now having fallen short in this situation."

Webb confirmed that VAR Matt Donohue and assistant VAR Blake Antrobus would not officiate again until after the international break.

"We've reached out to Manchester United and acknowledged the error, as we do when these things happen," Webb said.

Explaining the decision-making process, Webb said the semi-automated offside system quickly established that Haaland was onside, but the VAR became overly focused on the striker's position and failed to fully consider Fernandez's influence on the play.

"But of course, when he then runs it back through the full APP, he doesn't truly evaluate the full impact of Fernandez's position," Webb said.

"He has a look to see if he touches the ball, because then that relates to potentially knocking it to Haaland, who goes on to score. He doesn't touch the ball, but he doesn't truly evaluate other elements of offside. In that moment, he gets tunnel vision."

Manchester United manager Michael Carrick criticised the decision after his side's 1-0 home defeat, their second loss in four Premier League matches this season.

United next host Brighton in the League Cup on Wednesday before travelling to Fulham in the Premier League on Sunday.

Pro Ref chief Webb says VAR 'tunnel vision' led to Manchester derby error

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