Maguire called VAR official a 'f****** joke' months before same man allowed Haaland derby goal

Harry Maguire’s foul-mouthed attack on VAR official Matt Donohue has resurfaced after the same official was at the centre of the controversial decision that handed Manchester City a 1-0 win over Manchester United in Sunday’s Premier League derby at Old Trafford.

Donohue was working as fourth official during United’s 2-2 draw at Bournemouth in March when Maguire, having been sent off for denying an obvious goalscoring opportunity, branded him and his colleagues a “f** joke” as he left the pitch. Donohue reported the remarks to an independent regulatory commission, earning Maguire a one-match ban on top of his red card suspension.

On Sunday, Donohue served as VAR for the Manchester derby, where Haaland’s 60th-minute goal was initially ruled offside before VAR intervened to overturn the decision. The call hinged on whether Enzo Fernandez — who was in an offside position — had attempted to play Josko Gvardiol’s cross. Pundits including Gary Neville and Wayne Rooney publicly argued the officials had got it wrong.

Pro Ref issued an apology to United within hours of the final whistle, acknowledging an error of judgement. The statement confirmed that while Haaland was found to be onside, VAR had failed to account for the likely impact of Fernandez’s position and should have recommended an on-field review. Donohue and his VAR assistant have since been stood down from this weekend’s fixtures.

The apology read in part: “Contact has been made with Manchester United this evening to acknowledge what we deem is an error of judgement. A review of the incident will take place.”

The episode has reignited debate around VAR’s application of the offside law in the Premier League, with United left to reflect on a defeat that could have significant implications in the title race.