VAR Officials Removed After Controversial Haaland Goal in Manchester Derby
By Editor • September 14, 2026 • 1 min read
In a decisive move, the video assistant referees (VAR) who approved Erling Haaland’s controversial winning goal during the Manchester derby have been sidelined for this weekend's Premier League matches. Matt Donohue and his assistant, Blake Antrobus, will not officiate following a review conducted by Pro Ref.
The decision, made by Howard Webb, the chief refereeing officer, comes after the officials faced criticism over what was described as an 'error of judgment' in allowing the goal that secured a win for Manchester City against Manchester United.
While Donohue and Antrobus have been temporarily stood down, their future assignments will be reassessed after the upcoming international break, as the league continues to address the standards of officiating in top-flight football.
Source: www.theguardian.com
