The video assistant referee and assistant VAR from Sunday’s Manchester derby have been left out of this weekend’s Premier League appointments following the controversial decision to award Erling Haaland’s winning goal for Manchester City.
Matt Donohue, who was the VAR at Old Trafford, and assistant VAR Blake Antrobus were not appointed for any Premier League fixtures this weekend.
The decision was made by Pro Ref chief refereeing officer Howard Webb and the organisation’s management team.
It comes after Pro Ref admitted to an “error of judgement” in the decision to overturn the on-field offside call against Haaland.
The Manchester City striker scored in the 60th minute, turning in a shot at the back post from Josko Gvardiol’s cross.
The goal was initially ruled out for offside, but VAR intervened and the decision was overturned, with Haaland deemed to have been played onside by Patrick Dorgu’s boot.
However, the decision remained controversial because City midfielder Enzo Fernandez was in an offside position and appeared to be attempting to head the ball before Haaland finished.
Fernandez did not make contact with the ball, but Pro Ref acknowledged that his position could have had an impact on the play.
“It was established that Enzo Fernandez did not play the ball and therefore that makes any offside offence subjective,” Pro Ref said in a statement.
“However, on this occasion, the VAR did not recognise the likely impact of his position and should have recommended an on-field review.”
The admission has now been followed by the decision to leave Donohue and Antrobus out of this weekend’s fixtures.
City won the derby despite being reduced to ten men after Phil Foden was shown a straight red card in the 23rd minute.
The victory maintained Manchester City’s perfect start to the Premier League season, with Pep Guardiola’s side winning all four of their opening matches.
