Webb blames 'tunnel vision' as two VAR officials stood down after Manchester derby offside error

Pro Ref chief Howard Webb has blamed “tunnel vision” for the VAR error that allowed Erling Haaland’s controversial winner to stand in Manchester City’s 1-0 victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford, with the two officials responsible stood down from this weekend’s Premier League fixtures.

VAR official Matt Donohue and his assistant Blake Antrobus have been suspended from duty after wrongly overturning an offside flag against Haaland during the Manchester derby. Haaland’s goal was initially ruled out because Enzo Fernandez, who was in an offside position during the build-up, was judged to have interfered with play — but the decision was reversed following a VAR check that Webb has since acknowledged was flawed. The result left Michael Carrick’s United side on four points from four Premier League games.

Webb, appearing on Match Officials Mic’d Up, said he wrote to Manchester United officials within hours of full-time to apologise. “We felt it was important that we acknowledged an error in this situation,” he said. “We know that Erling Haaland, who was penalised on field for offside, wasn’t in an offside position. But we also know that Enzo Fernandez, who was in an offside position, almost certainly interfered with the Manchester United defence and probably the goalkeeper as well.”

Webb explained that the VAR, upon using semi-automated offside technology, correctly established that Haaland himself was onside by three centimetres — but then failed to properly evaluate Fernandez’s impact on the play. “The VAR gets super focused on Haaland,” Webb said. “He establishes he’s onside, he thinks that’s a good goal. But of course, when he then runs it back through the full APP, he doesn’t truly evaluate the full impact of Fernandez’s position.”

The refereeing chief said colleagues in Stockley Park were unable to redirect the lead official’s attention to the broader picture. “I was really disappointed with this outcome. We all are. None more so than the officials themselves. They take a lot of personal pride in what they do and they’re obviously hurting now, having fallen short in this situation.”

Webb added that Pro Ref had shared audio and footage of the decision-making process directly with Manchester United and pledged a full review. “We want to ensure that we are transparent and open… we’re going to review this situation to understand what elements of process fell down.”

Haaland’s goal was not the only flashpoint at Old Trafford. City forward Phil Foden was sent off after kicking out at United captain Bruno Fernandes — a decision Webb confirmed was correct.