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Matt Donohue, the VAR official who allowed Erling Haaland’s controversial winner in Manchester City’s 1-0 victory over Manchester United, has been stood down from next weekend’s Premier League fixtures. Assistant VAR Blake Antrobus has also not been assigned a match after refereeing body Pro Ref admitted that the decision to award the goal was an error.

The decision was made by chief refereeing officer Howard Webb and his management team following a review of the incident. Both Donohue and Antrobus are not expected to return to Premier League duty until after the international break.

Why Was Haaland’s Goal Controversial?

Haaland appeared to have given Manchester City the lead in the 60th minute at Old Trafford when he converted a low cross from Josko Gvardiol. The assistant referee initially ruled the Norwegian offside, but a lengthy VAR review overturned the decision after it was determined that Haaland himself had been in an onside position.

The issue, however, was not Haaland’s position. Pro Ref later acknowledged that City midfielder Enzo Fernandez was in an offside position and had attempted to play the ball before Haaland finished the move.

Fernandez did not make contact with the cross, but Pro Ref said VAR failed to properly consider the impact of his position on the play and should have recommended an on-field review.

“VAR did not recognize the likely impact of his position and should have recommended an on-field review,” Pro Ref said.

The refereeing body also contacted Manchester United to acknowledge what it described as an “error of judgement” and said the incident would be reviewed.

What Happened In The Manchester Derby?

The decision proved decisive in a dramatic Manchester derby that City won despite playing with 10 men for more than an hour.

Phil Foden was sent off in the 23rd minute for kicking out at Bruno Fernandes, leaving City a player short for the majority of the match.

Haaland’s goal eventually separated the sides, giving City a fourth straight Premier League win and maintaining their perfect start to the season. The striker also scored his ninth goal in 11 Manchester derby appearances.

Manchester United manager Michael Carrick had criticised the decision after the match, arguing that Fernandez’s attempt to reach the ball should have been considered an offside offence. Pro Ref’s subsequent admission has now added another layer to the fallout from the derby.