Derby VAR team stood down after Haaland offside error
The two video officials behind Erling Haaland's controversial derby winner will sit out this weekend's Premier League games.
Matt Donohue was the video assistant referee — VAR, the official who checks big decisions on replay — for Manchester City's 1-0 win at Manchester United. Blake Antrobus was his assistant in the video room, according to BBC Sport.
Neither man has been appointed for this weekend's fixtures. That call was made by Pro Ref chief refereeing officer Howard Webb and his management team.
Pro Ref, the body that runs refereeing in the English professional game, has admitted an "error of judgement" over the goal. It said it had contacted Manchester United to acknowledge the mistake.
The moment came in the 60th minute at Old Trafford. Josko Gvardiol crossed from the left. Haaland finished at the far post. The flag went up on the pitch for offside.
VAR overruled it. The check ruled that United defender Patrick Dorgu's boot had played Haaland onside. The goal was given. Replays suggested otherwise, and Pro Ref now says the on-field decision should have stood.
It was a huge call in a tight, strange derby. City played most of the game with 10 men after Phil Foden was sent off after 23 minutes. They still held on.
The win kept City perfect. Four games, four wins. They joined Arsenal as the only sides with maximum points from the opening four matches, according to ESPN.
United were left 13th. One win, one draw and two defeats from their first four. Michael Oliver was the on-field referee for the derby.
The reaction was sharp. United manager Michael Carrick called the decision "worrying". Defender Lisandro Martinez called it an "injustice". Pro Ref said a full review of the incident will take place.
What makes this stand out is the admission. Refereeing chiefs rarely use language that strong, and rarely stand officials down so quickly. For fans, this means the debate does not end with the final whistle.
Offside remains football's hardest call to take. A matter of inches, frozen in a still image, can decide the mood of a whole city. This time, the officials got it wrong.
