Sport
VAR Officials Omitted from Weekend Fixtures Following Controversial Manchester Derby Goal
Two VAR officials have been left off the upcoming Premier League officiating list after a disputed goal in the Manchester City victory over Manchester United.
According to a report by Khaosod Online Thailand, two VAR officials, Matt Donohue and Blake Antrobus, have been excluded from the upcoming weekend's Premier League officiating assignments. This follows their involvement in the Manchester Derby on September 13, where Manchester City defeated Manchester United 1-0.
The controversy centers on Erling Haaland’s winning goal. During the play, Enzo Fernandez, who was in an offside position, attempted to head the ball. Although he did not make contact, the VAR team initially ruled that Fernandez was not interfering with play, allowing the goal to stand. Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) subsequently acknowledged that this was an error, as Fernandez had indeed attempted to play the ball.
For residents and football fans in Thailand who follow the Premier League, this incident highlights the ongoing scrutiny surrounding officiating standards in English football. While the absence of Donohue and Antrobus from the upcoming match list is confirmed, it remains unverified whether this omission serves as a formal disciplinary action or a temporary rotation. As the league continues to address these technical disputes, fans should monitor official PGMOL statements for further clarity on how such errors might influence future match protocols.
