Two video assistant referees (VAR) involved in the controversial decision during Sunday’s Manchester derby have been suspended from officiating Manchester United matches for the foreseeable future. Matt Donohue and his assistant Blake Antrobus were removed from their assignments for the upcoming weekend’s fixtures following an admission of error by referees’ chief Howard Webb.

The dispute arose during Manchester City’s 1-0 victory at Old Trafford when Erling Haaland’s winning goal in the 60th minute was initially ruled out for offside by the on-field officials. Haaland was judged to be beyond the last United defender at the moment the ball was played to him. However, the VAR team intervened and overruled the call, determining that the goal should stand due to the ball deflecting off the extended boot of a Manchester United player, which played Haaland onside.

Howard Webb acknowledged that a mistake had been made in the VAR decision, describing it as an "error of judgment." As a result, both Donohue and Antrobus have been stood down from officiating duties for the immediate period, with their return deferred until at least after the upcoming international break, according to a spokesbody representing referees known as Pro Ref.

The incident has once again placed the use of VAR under scrutiny, as the refereeing authority faces renewed criticism over its handling of contentious decisions in high-profile matches. The suspension of the VAR officials involved is seen as a measure aimed at addressing concerns around consistency and accuracy in officiating standards.