Soccer-Manchester derby VAR stood down from Premier League duty


Soccer Football - Premier League - Manchester United v Manchester City - Old Trafford, Manchester, Britain - September 13, 2026 Manchester City's Erling Haaland reacts as referee Michael Oliver awards their first goal following a VAR review Action Images via Reuters/Jason Cairnduff

Sept 14 (Reuters) - Matt ⁠Donohue, the video assistant referee (VAR) ⁠who allowed Erling Haaland's winner in ‌Manchester City's 1-0 victory over Manchester United, has not been selected to officiate at any of ​next weekend's Premier League ⁠fixtures.

Assistant VAR Blake ⁠Antrobus has also not been given any assignment ⁠after ‌refereeing body Pro Ref acknowledged in a statement that ⁠VAR was wrong to allow Haaland's decisive ​goal.

The ‌decision was taken by chief refereeing officer ⁠Howard ​Webb and the management team, with neither official expected to return to duty ⁠until at least after the ​international break.

Haaland's second-half strike was initially ruled out for offside before being awarded following ⁠a VAR review that determined the Norwegian striker was onside.

However, the refereeing body later said the VAR had failed ​to take into account ⁠the impact of teammate Enzo Fernandez, who ​attempted to play the ‌ball from an offside ​position.

(Reporting by Paras J. Haji in Bengaluru, editing by Pritha Sarkar)

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