Manchester derby: VAR officials sidelined after Haaland goal error

Matt Donohue, the video assistant referee in charge during the Manchester derby, and his assistant Blake Antrobus have not been selected to officiate in the upcoming Premier League matchday. This decision follows Pro Ref’s acknowledgment of an error regarding Erling Haaland’s goal, which secured a 1-0 victory for Manchester City against Manchester United on Sunday, September 13, 2026.

The sidelining was decided by refereeing chief Howard Webb and his management team. According to Reuters, the availability of both officials will be reassessed after the next international break.

Haaland’s goal, scored in the 60th minute, was initially disallowed for offside before being validated following a VAR intervention. The semi-automated technology indicated that the Norwegian forward was in a legal position.

The issue arose earlier in the play: Enzo Fernandez, in an offside position, had attempted to play the ball with his head and could have influenced Lisandro Martinez’s intervention. Pro Ref concluded that VAR should have recommended a review at the pitchside, as the body had already acknowledged after the derby.

The match result remains unchanged. Manchester City won despite Phil Foden’s dismissal in the first half, while Manchester United contested the validation of the goal after the match.

Manchester United will face Brighton in the League Cup on Wednesday, September 16, while Manchester City will host Norwich on Thursday, September 17.