The two VAR officials at the centre of the controversy surrounding City’s derby victory have been stood down after the error which led to Erling Haaland’s winning goal being allowed.
City beat United 1-0 at Old Trafford on Sunday, but refereeing body Pro Ref subsequently admitted an “error of judgement” had been made during the review of Haaland’s second-half goal.
VAR Matt Donohue and assistant VAR Blake Antrobus will now sit out this weekend’s Premier League fixtures.
VAR officials stood down after Man City controversy
Donohue is also not involved in the midweek Carabao Cup games, with the decision taken by chief refereeing officer Howard Webb and the Pro Ref management team. Neither Donohue nor Antrobus is expected to return to officiating duties until after the international break.
Haaland’s goal was initially disallowed for offside before semi-automated technology established that the City striker had been played onside by Patrick Dorgu. The problem came elsewhere in the move.
Enzo Fernandez was in an offside position and attempted to play the ball before Haaland scored. Pro Ref subsequently acknowledged that Donohue should have recommended an on-field review so referee Michael Oliver could decide whether Fernandez had interfered with play.
That did not happen and the goal was awarded. It was enough for City to leave Old Trafford with a 1-0 victory, although the admission from Pro Ref and subsequent decision to stand down the two officials ensures the controversy will rumble on.
It also puts the rather more extraordinary suggestion of a replay into some perspective. Former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett has raised the question of whether United could demand the game be played again, but there remains no realistic suggestion of that happening.
The officials have paid the price for the mistake. The result has not changed.
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