Pro Ref admitted to an error over Erling Haaland's winning goal for Manchester City against Man United on Sunday at Old Trafford
Erling Haaland in action
Erling Haaland scored the controversial goal(Image: Getty Images)
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Matt Donohue and Blake Antrobus have been stood down from refereeing duties following the controversy surrounding the Manchester derby. Donohue and Antrobus were stationed in the video assistant referee booth during Sunday's 1-0 victory for Manchester City over their rivals United, after Erling Haaland's second-half winner proved decisive.
Chief Refereeing Officer Howard Webb and the management team are understood to have taken the decision, which will keep the pair sidelined at least until the international break concludes. It follows Haaland's goal being allowed to stand despite the on-field call initially ruling him offside.
It was argued at the time that the Norwegian was in an onside position, with Patrick Dorgu's outstretched leg playing him on, while Enzo Fernandez — who was in an offside position — had not interfered with play despite attempting to connect with Josko Gvardiol's cross.
Lisandro Martinez found himself caught between the offside Fernandez and Haaland, who was positioned behind him. The Argentine was visibly furious with the ruling and struggled to contain his anger during a heated interview with Sky Sports on Sunday.
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Michael Carrick was equally frustrated by the incident, admitting he was left 'very worried' by the officials' interpretation of events. Pro Ref, formerly known as the PGMOL, subsequently issued an apology for an 'error of judgement'.
A Pro Ref spokesperson said: "Following the incident in the 60th minute of Sunday's Premier League fixture between Manchester United and Manchester City at Old Trafford, we can provide clarification regarding Erling Haaland's awarded goal.
"The on-field decision was offside against Erling Haaland - that was checked by VAR and he was found to be in an onside position.
Michael Oliver
Haaland's goal was eventually given after a long VAR check(Image: Getty Images)
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"In the same attack, it was established that Enzo Fernandez did not play the ball and therefore that makes any offside offence subjective, however, on this occasion, the VAR did not recognise the likely impact of his position and should have recommended an on-field review.
"Contact has been made with Manchester United this evening to acknowledge what we deem is an error of judgement. A review of the incident will take place."
Donohue served as the lead video assistant referee during the Manchester derby and has not been assigned a top-flight match this weekend, marking his first absence from a Premier League fixture this season after officiating three matches so far.
He will similarly be absent from Carabao Cup third round duty, which brings European sides into cup contention.
The governing body were compelled to reverse their initial stance that the former Chelsea man had not interfered with play, following a Premier League Match Centre post on X.
It read: "VAR checked the referee's call of no goal for offside – and determined that Haaland was in an onside position and recommended that the goal was awarded. The VAR also deemed that while in an offside position, Fernandez didn't play the ball."