Video assistant referee (VAR) officials who allowed Erling Haaland’s winning goal in Manchester United’s derby against Manchester City are stood down from their next Premier League appointments. Matt Donohue, the VAR official, and his assistant, Blake Antrobus, are told they have not received appointments for fixtures due next weekend.
The Guardian reports that Pro Ref says the goal was an “error of judgment,” implying the decision was incorrect. The Daily Post Nigeria similarly states that Donohue and Antrobus are suspended from officiating for the next round of matches, citing a decision by Chief Refereeing Officer Howard Webb and the management team.
While the outlets agree on the identities of the officials and that they are removed from upcoming duties, they emphasize different framing: The Guardian highlights the characterization of the mistake by Pro Ref, while the Nigerian outlet attributes the suspension to the chief refereeing leadership. Both present the disciplinary action as a response to the VAR decision involving Haaland’s goal.
