No weekend game for Manchester derby VAR officials
The VAR officials who allowed Erling Haaland's winning goal in the Manchester derby have been left off the list of referees for the next round of Premier League matches.
Written by Roundtablefrom 2 outlets' reporting
01What happened
The VAR officials involved in the Manchester derby have not been given a Premier League game to officiate this weekend. The decision was taken by chief refereeing officer Howard Webb and the management team. The refereeing body later said the VAR was wrong to allow Erling Haaland's decisive goal in Manchester City's 1-0 win over Manchester United.
The facts every outlet at this table agrees on.
02Every voice
One entry per outlet, in the order they should be read. Each links back to the reporting it was drawn from — check any of it.
BBC News
Read the original· bbc.co.ukHow they framed it
Brief factual confirmation that the officials will not work this weekend.
In their words
The VAR officials involved in the Manchester derby have not been given a Premier League game to officiate this weekend.
Al Jazeera English
Read the original· aljazeera.comHow they framed it
Names the officials, explains the reason for their removal, and provides context about the disputed goal and upcoming fixtures.
In their words
VAR officials Matt Donohue and Blake Antrobus were stood down by chief refereeing officer Howard Webb after wrongly allowing Erling Haaland's winning goal in Manchester City's 1-0 derby win over Manchester United, with both set to miss at least this weekend's Premier League fixtures. The refereeing body acknowledged the VAR failed to account for the impact of an offside teammate, Enzo Fernandez, on the play.
03Where they differ
The BBC provides only a one-sentence report confirming the officials have no weekend game. Al Jazeera names the officials, states they were stood down by Howard Webb, explains the error involved an offside teammate, and notes they will miss at least this weekend's games. The BBC focuses solely on the outcome for the officials; Al Jazeera adds detail on who made the decision, why, and the context of the match and upcoming fixtures.
Described, not adjudicated. Roundtable does not tell you which account is right.
04Still open
- When will the VAR officials return to duty?
- Are the officials suspended, rested, or removed for a different reason?
- Will they face any further disciplinary action?
- How will the Premier League handle similar VAR errors in the future?
