Premier League punishes VAR duo after error on Haaland's goal

The Premier League has punished the controversial VAR duo that was present during the Manchester derby after Erling Haaland scored in the sixtieth minute, a goal that was later deemed incorrect. The error underscores the urgency for better oversight for the competition and the clubs involved.

The VAR duo, consisting of Matt Donohue and assistant Blake Antrobus, approved the goal after Haaland was initially flagged offside.

Premier League acknowledges assessment error

The Norwegian was not offside himself, but the assessment did not take into account Enzo Fernández, who was offside and influenced the movement of United defender Lisandro Martínez.

Referee Michael Oliver should have been sent to the monitor, but that did not happen, leaving the error in place.

The competition already acknowledged a ‘assessment error’ on Monday and contacted Manchester United directly.

Manchester United‑manager Michael Carrick reacted angrily: “I am truly stunned by the decision. It was a terrible call, that must be said.”

Matt Donohue and Blake Antrobus will not officiate a match the upcoming Premier League weekend.

Donohue and Antrobus will only return after the upcoming international break, while the Premier League now faces pressure to review the VAR procedures.