Donohue and Antrobus Removed After Haaland VAR Error

Matt Donohue and assistant VAR Blake Antrobus have been removed from Premier League and Carabao Cup appointments after the video review error that led to Erling Haaland’s Manchester derby winner being allowed to stand.

Neither official will work in the top flight this weekend or during the midweek League Cup programme. The decision, made by chief refereeing officer Howard Webb and his senior team, means they will not return to Premier League duty before the international break.

VAR error accepted after Old Trafford controversy

The decisive incident came at Old Trafford, where Haaland’s finish was initially disallowed for offside. Haaland was ahead of Patrick Dorgu, while Enzo Fernandez, also in an offside position, moved towards the incoming cross. VAR overturned the assistant referee’s flag and awarded the goal in Manchester City’s win over Manchester United.

Pro Ref later accepted that the review had been handled incorrectly. The video official failed to identify the probable influence of Fernandez’s position and should have sent the referee to the pitchside monitor for an on-field review.

Premier League law states that an offside player can be punished when clearly trying to play a nearby ball and that attempt affects an opponent. Fernandez was tracked by Lisandro Martinez, who had dropped away to deal with the danger, leaving Haaland unmarked at the far post.

During the match, the league’s live explanation stated that Haaland had been judged onside and that Fernandez had not played the ball despite being offside. That interpretation was subsequently deemed an error of judgement.

Manchester United have been contacted directly by Pro Ref, which has acknowledged the mistake and confirmed a review will now take place. Donohue, 37, had been heavily used in the VAR hub this season, including Brighton’s opening-weekend victory against Aston Villa and Newcastle United’s draw with Bournemouth.