EPL: Referees who awarded Haaland’s goal in Manchester derby suspended

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

According to Sky Sports News, the decision was taken by Chief Refereeing Officer, Howard Webb, and the management team.

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

However, referee Michael Oliver, assistants Stuart Burt and Tim Wood, and fourth official Paul Tierney, who also worked on the Manchester derby, have all been given games.

Refereeing body, Pro Ref, already admitted an error had been made in awarding Manchester City’s goal at Manchester United in their 1-0 victory at Old Trafford, with City’s Enzo Fernandez in an offside position as he attempted to play the ball before it reached scorer Erling Haaland.

In a statement on Sunday, Pro Ref confirmed they have contacted United to acknowledge an “error of judgment” and that the VAR “should have recommended an on-field review” for Haaland’s winner.