
VARs who wrongly allowed HaalandâÂÂs goal at Manchester United are stood down
Matt Donohue and his assistant not used this weekend
Pro Ref said allowing winner was âÂÂerror of judgmentâÂÂ
The video assistant referee officials who allowed Erling HaalandâÂÂs winning goal in the Manchester derby on Sunday have been stood down from their responsibilities.
Matt Donohue and his assistant, Blake Antrobus, have been told by Pro Ref they have not received appointments for the next round of Premier League fixtures, due to take place next weekend.
The chief refereeing officer, Howard Webb, took the decision alongside his management team after a review of the weekendâÂÂs action. Their availability will be reconsidered after the international break.
During the Manchester derby Donohoe was called on to check the referee Michael OliverâÂÂs decision to disallow HaalandâÂÂs 60th-minute goal for offside. Using semi-automated offside technology, Donohoe was able to establish that the Manchester City striker was onside and overturned OliverâÂÂs call. However, the video official failed to spot that Enzo Fernández had influenced play from an offside position, an infringement which Pro Ref said should have led him to recommend an on-field review.
This is the first time officials have been made to stand down this season owing to an error. Donohoe, an EFL referee since 2018, has taken charge of three Championship matches this season alongside his VAR work. His EFL profile says he has completed Pro RefâÂÂs âÂÂEnhanced VAR Training ProgrammeâÂÂ. Antrobus, alongside his work as an VAR, is an assistant referee in the Premier League and ran the line in each of the first three matchdays.
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Pro Ref acknowledged an âÂÂerror of judgmentâ in the Haaland incident through a statement released on Sunday night and is understood to have contacted Manchester United to explain the mistake.
Arsenal have requested more information from Pro Ref on the decision that led to Sunderland being awarded a penalty in their fixture at the Stadium of Light on Saturday. Mikel Arteta described referee John BrooksâÂÂs call as âÂÂunacceptable at this levelâ and Arsenal are expected to ask Pro Ref why the VAR did not intervene.
