VAR stood down after huge error in Manchester derby

FootballSports
15 Sep 2026 • 12:28 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

VAR stood down after huge error in Manchester derby

  • Video assistant referee Matt Donohue and assistant Blake Antrobus have been dropped from this weekend’s Premier League fixtures following an error of judgement during Sunday’s Manchester derby.
  • Referees' body Pro Ref acknowledged the mistake, confirming Donohue should have advised on-field referee Michael Oliver to check the monitor for an offside offence by Enzo Fernandez prior to Erling Haaland’s goal.
  • While the VAR team faces a spell on the sidelines until at least 10 October due to the upcoming international break, referee Michael Oliver has retained his appointment for Sunday’s match between Bournemouth and Liverpool.
  • Former Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney described the failure to rule out the goal as baffling and horrendous, with Pro Ref contacting Manchester United to address the error.
  • Howard Webb, the chief refereeing officer of Pro Ref, is expected to publicly address the incident on Tuesday’s broadcast of Match Officials: Mic’d Up.

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