EPL suspends VAR officials after Haaland goal error in Manchester derby
EPL suspends VAR officials Matt Donohue and Blake Antrobus for the next round of Premier League fixtures after they awarded Erling Haaland’s controversial goal in the Manchester derby. Professional Game Match Officials Limited (Pro Ref) admitted an error of judgment, stating that VAR should have recommended an on-field review because Manchester City’s Enzo Fernandez was in an offside position when he played the ball before it reached Haaland. The suspension follows a statement by Chief Refereeing Officer Howard Webb, and means Donohue and Antrobus will not officiate any match until at least after the international break.
For Nigerian fans who follow the EPL, this incident highlights how VAR decisions can directly influence match outcomes, affecting everything from bragging rights to betting odds and fantasy league points. The transparency of the suspension shows the league’s willingness to hold officials accountable, but also reminds supporters that technology-assisted refereeing is still prone to human error.
Referee Michael Oliver, his assistants Stuart Burt and Tim Wood, and fourth official Paul Tierney, who also worked on the derby, have been assigned games in the upcoming round. Fans should verify the officiating crew before placing bets or finalizing fantasy selections, and keep in mind that even with VAR, close calls can still be missed or misjudged.