VAR who made Haaland derby error reinstated for Premier League
Summarised from 3 outlets · 4 reports · Updated 21 Oct, 14:44 · Archive
The VAR who incorrectly allowed Erling Haaland's goal against Manchester United in September has been reinstated to Premier League duty.
Matt Donohue, the VAR who incorrectly allowed Erling Haaland's goal against Manchester United in the Manchester derby on 13 September, has been reinstated to Premier League duty. He will serve as assistant VAR when Coventry host Fulham on Saturday, marking his return after three rounds of matches on the sidelines.
In the 59th minute of that match at Old Trafford, Haaland tapped in a cross to give 10-man Manchester City the lead. The on-field assistant referee initially signalled for offside against Haaland, but semi-automated offside technology ruled him onside, so the goal stood. However, Manchester City midfielder Enzo Fernandez was clearly offside and interfering with play when he dived to reach the same cross. Neither Donohue nor his assistant Blake Antrobus spotted this error.
Pro Ref was forced to apologise to United on two separate occasions over the decision. Pro Ref chief refereeing officer Howard Webb said Donohue developed 'tunnel vision' by focusing on whether Haaland was offside, and added that the team around him should have helped pull him out of it. Sky Sports News reported that United received an apology over the incorrect VAR decision.
Donohue has officiated in the English Football League during his absence from the Premier League, refereeing Championship matches between Derby and Wrexham on 10 October and Southampton versus Bolton last weekend. His assistant Blake Antrobus made his first appearance since the derby as an assistant referee for Newcastle's home fixture against Aston Villa last Saturday.
How it is being reported
- VAR official behind Man City’s controversial derby goal returns to Premier League dutyMatt Donohue was stood down for three match rounds after failing to spot an offside in Manchester City’s derby win, but will return as assistant VAR for Coventry vs Fulham.Independent Sport · 21 Oct, 14:31
- VAR who made Manchester Derby error reinstated for Premier League match this weekendMatt Donohue was dropped for three rounds of Premier League matches by Pro Ref after Howard Webb admitted he had "tunnel vision" when he made the error for Erling Haaland's offside goalThe Mirror · 21 Oct, 14:24
- VAR who wrongly awarded Haaland winner vs Man Utd set for PL returnThe VAR who incorrectly awarded Erling Haaland's winner in last month's Manchester derby has been reinstated to Premier League duty.Sky Sports Football · 21 Oct, 14:00
- VAR who wrongly awarded Haaland winner vs Man Utd set for PL returnThe VAR who incorrectly awarded Erling Haaland's winner in last month's Manchester derby has been reinstated to Premier League duty.Sky Sports · 21 Oct, 14:00
In this story: Matt Donohue · Erling Haaland · Enzo Fernandez · Manchester United · Manchester City · Howard Webb · Old Trafford · Coventry
This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem
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