Manchester derby VAR officials sidelined for weekend games
4 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 15, 2026, 8:10 AM
Last updated Sep 15, 2026
Matt Donohue and Blake Antrobus, the video assistant referee and assistant VAR for the Manchester derby, are not assigned to this weekend's Premier League fixtures. This decision follows an admission of an "error of judgement" concerning Erling Haaland's winning goal for Manchester City against Manchester United. The goal, initially ruled offside, was allowed after VAR review, leading to debate over an offside call involving Enzo Fernandez. Pro Ref acknowledged the VAR did not fully assess Fernandez's position's impact and should have suggested an on-field review. Meanwhile, Manchester City continues to maintain a perfect league record after the match.
- •Donohue and Antrobus not appointed for weekend Premier League matches.
- •Haaland's goal in the derby was validated by VAR despite initial offside ruling.
- •Pro Ref admitted to a judgement error regarding the call.
- •City remains unbeaten, having won all four league games.
- 8:10 AMYahoo Sports — Controversial Manchester derby lands VAR officials in hot water
- 5:05 PMYahoo Sports — No weekend game for Manchester derby VAR officials
- 5:02 PMBBC Sport — No weekend game for Manchester derby VAR officials
"1 The video assistant referee for the Manchester derby, Matt Donohue and his assistant VAR, Blake Antrobus, have paid their price for their role in Manchester City’s controversial victory on Sunday....
"The video assistant referee for the Manchester derby, Matt Donohue, and his assistant VAR, Blake Antrobus, are not appointed for this weekend's Premier League games.
"The video assistant referee for the Manchester derby, Matt Donohue, and his assistant VAR, Blake Antrobus, are not appointed for this weekend's Premier League games.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsSep 15, 2026, 8:10 AMControversial Manchester derby lands VAR officials in hot water
1 The video assistant referee for the Manchester derby, Matt Donohue and his assistant VAR, Blake Antrobus, have paid their price for their role in Manchester City’s controversial victory on Sunday....
- Yahoo SportsSep 14, 2026, 5:05 PMNo weekend game for Manchester derby VAR officials
The video assistant referee for the Manchester derby, Matt Donohue, and his assistant VAR, Blake Antrobus, are not appointed for this weekend's Premier League games.
- BBC SportSep 14, 2026, 5:02 PMNo weekend game for Manchester derby VAR officials
The video assistant referee for the Manchester derby, Matt Donohue, and his assistant VAR, Blake Antrobus, are not appointed for this weekend's Premier League games.
Original reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days
EPL•Oct 30, 2026, 6:50 PMArsenal could be set for major injury boosts ahead of Liverpool clash
EPL•Oct 30, 2026, 6:00 PMManchester United is challenging Arsenal to sign Serie A star
EPL•Oct 30, 2026, 5:14 PMAre Man City fans right about a Premier League 'Red Cartel' that's out to get them?
EPL•Oct 30, 2026, 4:59 PMChelsea boss Alonso: 'No discussion' over Estêvão loan move
EPL•Oct 30, 2026, 2:56 PMXabi's sympathy! Alonso backs embattled Carrick but warns Blues will show no mercy
EPL•Oct 30, 2026, 2:54 PMAre Liverpool in a title challenge? Andoni Iraola reveals stance before Arsenal test