Referees chief Webb 'really disappointed' over VAR error in Manchester derby
LONDON: Referees’ chief Howard Webb said he was “really disappointed” with the VAR mistake that allowed Erling Haaland’s winner in the Manchester derby last weekend.
Howard Webb, the chief refereeing officer for Pro Ref, expressed deep disappointment over a VAR error that granted Erling Haaland the winning goal in the Manchester derby. Haaland scored in the second half of Manchester City's victory against arch-rivals Manchester United at Old Trafford. The goal was initially ruled offside before being overturned by VAR official Matt Donohue and his assistant Blake Antrobus.
Donohue deemed Manchester City midfielder Enzo Fernandez not interfering with the play when he attempted to reach the ball before Haaland scored. Manchester City emerged victorious, 1-0, but the controversy surrounding the goal overshadowed the match. United manager Michael Carrick was stunned by the decision, citing Fernandez's blocking of Lisandro Martinez's clearance attempt and potential distraction of goalkeeper Senne Lammens.
Donohue and Antrobus have been removed from officiating duties for the upcoming Premier League matches. Webb expressed his disappointment, stating, "I was really disappointed with this outcome. We all are. None more so than the officials themselves." He added that the officials take pride in their work, and falling short in this situation is deeply concerning.
Webb explained that Donohue's focus on Haaland led to a tunnel vision mentality, which he believes prevented him from recognizing Fernandez's interference. The decision that the goal should have been disallowed has been reviewed, and Pro Ref aims to learn from this unusual error to prevent similar mistakes in the future.
Written by urgent.news from New Straits Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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