BBC Sport has sharply criticized the way VAR officials handled the decision surrounding Erling Haaland‘s goal in the Manchester derby. This goal proved decisive, securing Manchester City‘s victory over Manchester United.
The outlet described the actions of VAR referee Matt Donohue as “one of the most catastrophic VAR errors in Premier League history.” Donohue and his assistant, Blake Antrobus, inexplicably failed to notice that Enzo Fernandez was just three yards from the goal before attempting a header.
Reports indicate a frantic dispute broke out between the VAR official and the video replay operator. Rather than a calm, methodical review, the process was rushed and chaotic—completely contrary to how VAR should function.
“Faster, faster, faster, faster! Come on, come on, come on, come on, come on!” were Donohue’s words as he hurried to conclude the video review and confirm Haaland’s winning goal.
Donohue asked the operator to pause the video at the first replay when Josko Gvardiol touched the ball to deliver a cross into the penalty area. He then immediately switched to the semi-automated offside detection system.
This approach was flawed. The VAR team should have assessed the entire sequence, starting from the moment the cross was delivered to Haaland’s header. This would have clarified Fernandez’s position and his impact on the play.
Instead, they neglected to review the activity inside the penalty box until after analyzing the attacking phase. By then, Donohue and Antrobus focused solely on whether Fernandez touched the ball, which would have triggered a new phase of play and placed Haaland offside.
The Premier League’s principles for this season emphasize “more effective use of VAR to reduce delays.” However, in this match, speed was prioritized over accuracy, according to BBC Sport.
