VAR officials stood down after Pro Ref apology over Haaland's derby winner at Old Trafford

Howard Webb has stood down the two VAR officials responsible for the controversial decision that allowed Erling Haaland’s winning goal to stand in Manchester City’s 1-0 Premier League victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday.

Matt Donohue, who served as lead video assistant referee during the derby, and Blake Antrobus have been removed from refereeing duties at least until the international break concludes. The decision was taken by Webb, the Chief Refereeing Officer, and his management team following a formal apology from Pro Ref — formerly known as the PGMOL — who acknowledged an “error of judgement” in the handling of the incident.

Haaland’s second-half goal was initially ruled out for offside before VAR intervened and reversed the call, determining the Norwegian was played onside by Patrick Dorgu’s outstretched leg. However, Pro Ref subsequently conceded that the VAR booth failed to flag the likely impact of Enzo Fernandez’s offside position on the play, and should have recommended an on-field review.

“In the same attack, it was established that Enzo Fernandez did not play the ball and therefore that makes any offside offence subjective,” a Pro Ref spokesperson said. “However, on this occasion, the VAR did not recognise the likely impact of his position and should have recommended an on-field review. 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.”

Lisandro Martinez was visibly furious with the ruling in the immediate aftermath, struggling to contain his anger in post-match interviews. Middlesbrough manager Michael Carrick, a former United midfielder, said he was left “very worried” by the officials’ interpretation of events.

Donohue had officiated three Premier League matches this season before Sunday’s derby and will now also miss Carabao Cup third-round duty, which brings European clubs into contention. His absence marks the first time he has not been assigned a top-flight fixture this season.

Pro Ref’s decision to issue a public apology and Webb’s subsequent action in standing down both officials represents one of the more significant disciplinary responses to a VAR controversy in the Premier League era, though United’s 1-0 defeat stands.