Haaland Winner Controversy: VAR Team Axed for Next Premier League Games

Manchester Derby VAR officials stood down after Haaland offside error

Howard Webb stands down VARs after failing to spot Fernandez offside. PGMOL drops Donohue and Antrobus following Haaland VAR mishap.

The fallout from Manchester City’s 1-0 win over Manchester United continued on Monday as Howard Webb removed the officials involved in the Erling Haaland offside decision from next weekend’s Premier League fixtures...  

Matt Donohue, the VAR who missed Erling Haaland’s offside in Manchester City’s 1-0 win over Manchester United, has been left out of next weekend’s Premier League appointments.  

Assistant VAR Blake Antrobus has also not been given a game, after PGMOL admitted in a statement that VAR had incorrectly allowed Haaland’s winner to stand.

The call was made by PGMOL chief Howard Webb and his management team. Neither official is expected back on duty until after the international break at the earliest. 

Haaland’s second-half goal was first disallowed for offside, but VAR later overturned it and gave the goal after deciding the City striker was onside.  

 

The VAR and Assistant VAR from Sunday's fixture will now not officiate until at least after the international break. pic.twitter.com/AqPUDQk5Em

— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) September 14, 2026

The Norwegian’s strike in the second half was initially flagged offside before being given following a VAR check that ruled Haaland onside.