VAR OFFICIALS STOOD DOWN AFTER HAALAND DERBY CONTROVERSY

The fallout from the Manchester derby continues. The two VAR officials involved in the decision to allow Erling Haaland’s winning goal for Manchester City against Manchester United have been stood down from Premier League duty.

Haaland scored the only goal as 10-man Manchester City defeated Manchester United 1–0 at Old Trafford. The goal was initially ruled out for offside before VAR overturned the decision. The controversy centered on Enzo Fernández, who was in an offside position and made an attempt to play the ball while Lisandro Martínez was defending the situation.

After reviewing the incident, refereeing body Pro Ref acknowledged an “error of judgement,” saying VAR should have recommended an on-field review. VAR officials Matt Donohue and Blake Antrobus have now been stood down, with their future appointments to be reconsidered after the international break.

⚽ CalcioTV Question: Was standing down the VAR officials enough—or should Manchester United feel even more frustrated knowing the match-winning goal should not have stood?