EPL: Referees Who Awarded Haaland’s Goal In Manchester Derby Suspended

VAR official Matt Donohue and Assistant VAR Blake Antrobus, who handled Sunday’s Manchester derby, have been suspended for the next round of Premier League fixtures.

According to Sky Sports News, the decision was made by Chief Refereeing Officer Howard Webb and his management team following the controversial decision in Manchester City’s 1-0 win over Manchester United.

Donohue and Antrobus will not officiate any Premier League match until at least after the upcoming international break.

However, referee Michael Oliver, assistants Stuart Burt and Tim Wood, as well as fourth official Paul Tierney, who also worked on the derby, have all been assigned matches for the next round.

The refereeing body Pro Ref had already admitted that an error was made in awarding Manchester City’s winning goal at Old Trafford.

City’s Enzo Fernandez was in an offside position as he attempted to play the ball before it reached Erling Haaland, who scored the only goal of the match.

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In a statement on Sunday, Pro Ref confirmed it had contacted Manchester United to acknowledge an “error of judgment”, adding that VAR “should have recommended an on-field review” for Haaland’s goal.