The VAR officials involved in the controversial decision to award Erling Haaland’s winning goal in the Manchester derby have not been appointed for this weekend’s Premier League fixtures.
Matt Donohue, who served as video assistant referee for Manchester City’s victory over Manchester United, and assistant VAR Blake Antrobus have both been left off the latest round of appointments.
The decision was made by Pro Ref chief refereeing officer Howard Webb and the organisation’s management team after the refereeing body acknowledged an “error of judgement” in the decision to award Haaland’s goal at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Haaland struck in the 60th minute, converting at the back post following a cross from Josko Gvardiol.
The goal was initially ruled out for offside, but VAR intervened and determined that Manchester United defender Patrick Dorgu’s boot had played Haaland onside.
However, controversy centred on Manchester City midfielder Enzo Fernandez, who was standing in an offside position and attempted to head the ball before it reached Haaland.
Although Fernandez did not make contact with the ball, questions were raised over whether his movement interfered with play and whether the goal should therefore have been disallowed.
Pro Ref said that because Fernandez did not touch the ball, any potential offside offence became a subjective decision. However, the refereeing body acknowledged that VAR failed to properly assess the likely impact of his positioning and should have recommended an on-field review.
Despite playing with 10 men following Phil Foden’s 23rd-minute red card, Manchester City secured the victory and maintained their perfect Premier League record after four matches.
