Haaland’s goal was controversially allowed to stand
Haaland’s goal was controversially allowed to stand (Reuters)
Video assistant referee Matt Donohue and assistant Blake Antrobus have been dropped from this weekend’s Premier League fixtures following an error of judgement during Sunday’s Manchester derby.
Referees' body Pro Ref acknowledged the mistake, confirming Donohue should have advised on-field referee Michael Oliver to check the monitor for an offside offence by Enzo Fernandez prior to Erling Haaland’s goal.
While the VAR team faces a spell on the sidelines until at least 10 October due to the upcoming international break, referee Michael Oliver has retained his appointment for Sunday’s match between Bournemouth and Liverpool.
Former Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney described the failure to rule out the goal as baffling and horrendous, with Pro Ref contacting Manchester United to address the error.
Howard Webb, the chief refereeing officer of Pro Ref, is expected to publicly address the incident on Tuesday’s broadcast of Match Officials: Mic’d Up.