Premier League Takes Drastic Action After Manchester Derby Refereeing Blunder

The VAR officials overseeing Sunday's Manchester derby have been sidelined, barred from officiating matches for at least the upcoming league round and future Manchester United fixtures. The Premier League's refereeing body issued an apology, acknowledging a "clear error in judgment" after Manchester City's winning goal against Manchester United, scored by Erling Haaland (0-1), was allowed to stand.

Matt Donohue and his assistant, Blake Antrobus, who were in charge of VAR, have been suspended "at least until the international break," meaning they will miss the fifth-round matches this coming weekend. Further disciplinary action could follow after the break. Additionally, the refereeing duo will not be assigned to Manchester United matches for an extended period, according to The Athletic.

The Premier League is actively working to de-escalate tensions surrounding the Manchester derby. On Sunday afternoon, Manchester City secured a 1-0 victory at Old Trafford in a match marred by a refereeing error with significant consequences: the game's only goal, scored by Erling Haaland in the 60th minute, should have been disallowed for offside. However, following VAR intervention, head referee Michael Oliver overturned his initial decision (offside) and allowed the Norwegian striker's goal, despite Enzo Fernandez being in an offside position during the build-up to the attack.