RismadarVoice Reporters
September 16, 2026
The Video Assistant Referee officials involved in the controversial decision to allow Erling Haaland’s winning goal in the Manchester derby have been stood down from Premier League duties following an admission that the goal should not have been allowed to stand.
VAR official Matt Donohue and assistant VAR Blake Antrobus were not appointed for the next round of Premier League fixtures following a review of the incident, with reports indicating that they will remain off duty until after the international break.
The decision followed Manchester City’s 1-0 victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford, with Haaland scoring the decisive goal in the 60th minute.
The goal had initially been ruled out for offside by the on-field officials before VAR intervened and overturned the decision.
During the review, VAR determined that Haaland was marginally onside, with Manchester United defender Patrick Dorgu playing the Norwegian striker onside.
However, attention subsequently turned to Manchester City player Enzo Fernandez, who was in an offside position and attempted to play the ball before it reached Haaland.
Although Fernandez did not make contact with the ball, his movement was found to have affected Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez as the defender reacted to his attempt to reach the cross.
The refereeing body later acknowledged that the VAR team failed to properly assess Fernandez’s involvement in the attacking phase and described the decision as an “error of judgment.” It said referee Michael Oliver should have been advised to conduct an on-field review of the incident.
Chief refereeing officer Howard Webb subsequently said the VAR team developed “tunnel vision” by concentrating on whether Haaland himself was onside without adequately considering the involvement of Fernandez.
Webb confirmed that the goal should not have been awarded and said the established VAR process was not properly followed during the review.
The refereeing body also contacted Manchester United to acknowledge the mistake following the match.
The incident attracted widespread attention because Haaland’s goal ultimately separated the two Manchester clubs and secured all three points for City.
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick expressed dissatisfaction with the decision after the match, questioning how the VAR process failed to identify the offside involvement despite the availability of several officials and video replays.
The decision to stand down Donohue and Antrobus means neither official will take part in the immediate round of Premier League fixtures following the derby, as the refereeing authorities continue their review of the incident.
The development has again placed VAR decision-making under scrutiny in the Premier League, particularly over how officials assess players who are in offside positions but do not make direct contact with the ball.
