Pro Ref stands down VAR team after Haaland winner controversy in Manchester derby | OneFootball

Pro Ref confirmed they have stood down the VAR team that awarded Erling Haaland’s decisive Manchester derby goal after acknowledging an error in the review. Manchester City took all three points at Old Trafford.

Haaland’s goal was initially ruled out for offside, with the striker ahead of Patrick Dorgu as Enzo Fernandez lunged towards the cross from an offside position. VAR overturned the on-field decision and the goal stood.

Lead VAR Matt Donohue will not be selected for this weekend’s Premier League fixtures and will miss the midweek Carabao Cup round. Assistant VAR Blake Antrobus has also been removed from duty.

Chief refereeing officer Howard Webb and his executive team made the call, keeping both officials out of the top flight until after the international break. Donohue, 37, has been a regular in the VAR hub, including Brighton’s win over Aston Villa and Newcastle’s draw with Bournemouth.

The refereeing body later accepted the video referee did not recognise the likely impact of Fernandez’s position and should have advised an on-field review.

Officials contacted Manchester United to acknowledge what they regard as an error of judgement, and a review will follow. Under Premier League rules, a player is penalised if they clearly attempt to play a nearby ball and that action impacts an opponent, and in this case Fernandez was tracked by Lisandro Martinez, whose drop-off left Haaland free at the back post.

Source: Goal.com

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