Webb stands down two VAR officials after Haaland goal controversy in Manchester derby

Matt Donohue and Blake Antrobus, the two video assistant referees on duty during Sunday’s Manchester derby, have been stood down from officiating at least until after the international break, following the controversy surrounding Erling Haaland’s winning goal in Manchester City’s 1-0 victory over United at Old Trafford.

Chief Refereeing Officer Howard Webb and the Pro Ref management team made the decision in the wake of widespread criticism of the VAR process that led to Haaland’s second-half effort being awarded, despite the on-field call initially being offside.

Pro Ref — formerly the PGMOL — issued an apology to Manchester United and acknowledged an ‘error of judgement’. In a statement, the organisation explained that while Haaland was correctly found to be in an onside position after the initial check, the VAR failed to adequately assess the role of Enzo Fernandez, who was in an offside position during the same attack.

“In the same attack, it was established that Enzo Fernandez did not play the ball and therefore that makes any offside offence subjective,” the 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.”

The statement represented a partial reversal of an earlier Premier League Match Centre post on X, which had stated that Fernandez “didn’t play the ball” — a position Pro Ref was subsequently forced to qualify by conceding the wider question of interference should have triggered a pitch-side review.

Lisandro Martinez, who was caught between the offside Fernandez and Haaland during the incident, was visibly furious after the final whistle. The Argentine defender held back during a post-match interview, stopping short of a direct attack on the officials. Former Middlesbrough manager Michael Carrick was similarly exasperated, admitting he was left ‘very worried’ by the officials’ perception of the incident.

Donohue served as lead VAR for the derby and had been involved in three Premier League matches earlier this season. He has not been appointed to any top-flight fixture this weekend — a first for him this term. Pro Ref confirmed a full review of the incident is underway.