VARs suspended after Haaland goal controversy at Manchester United

VARs have been suspended after the controversy surrounding Erling Haaland’s winning strike for Manchester United, as the decision was given despite Enzo Fernández being in an off‑side position that likely influenced the play. The error has prompted Pro Ref to remove the officials from upcoming Premier League appointments.

Error leads to suspension

During the Manchester derby on Sunday, referee Michael Oliver initially disallowed Haaland’s 60th‑minute goal for off‑side. Using semi‑automated off‑side technology, VAR Matt Donohue determined the striker was on‑side and overturned the call, but failed to notice that Enzo Fernández was also off‑side and had interfered with play.

Pro Ref described the incident as an ‘error of judgment’ and confirmed that this is the first time officials have been stood down this season because of a mistake.

Matt Donohue and his assistant Blake Antrobus have been told they will not receive appointments for the next round of Premier League fixtures, with their availability to be reassessed after the international break. The referees involved were Matt Donohue and Blake Antrobus.

Officials’ backgrounds and next steps

Donohue, an EFL referee since 2018, has overseen three Championship matches this season alongside his VAR duties and has completed Pro Ref’s Enhanced VAR Training Programme.

Antrobus serves as a Premier League assistant referee, having run the line on each of the first three matchdays of the campaign.

Pro Ref has contacted Manchester United to explain the mistake. The photograph by Catherine Ivill/ View captured the moment, and the Play was halted while officials reviewed the decision. Arsenal have also sought clarification from Pro Ref on a separate penalty incident.