VAR Misses Fernández Offside in Manchester Derby; Officials Sidelined

Manchester City defeated Manchester United 1-0 in the Manchester derby on September 13, 2026, with Erling Haaland's 60th-minute goal deciding the match. The strike was initially disallowed for offside but overturned after a VAR review determined Haaland was onside using semi-automated offside technology. However, VAR officials Matt Donohue and Blake Antrobus failed to identify that Enzo Fernández, who was in an offside position, had interfered with play by diving to head the ball, a violation that should have led to the goal being disallowed.

Referees' chief Howard Webb acknowledged the error publicly on the "Match Officials Mic'd Up" programme aired on September 15, stating he was "really disappointed" with the decision. Webb explained that Donohue suffered "tunnel vision" while reviewing the play, focusing narrowly on whether Haaland was onside rather than evaluating the full attacking phase, particularly Fernández's interference. According to the VAR transcript released by Webb, the officials concentrated on checking whether Fernández had touched the ball—which would create a new offside phase—but failed to assess whether his actions constituted interference with an opponent, as required by football's Laws of the Game. Webb noted that the assistant VAR should have intervened to prevent this oversight.

Pro Ref acknowledged the error of judgment and stood down Donohue and Antrobus from officiating duties until after the international break. Webb confirmed that Pro Ref had reached out to Manchester United and provided the club with audio and video footage explaining what occurred. Manchester United midfielder Youri Tielemans and former striker Wayne Rooney called for calm responses to the loss while expressing frustration at the incident. The decision has reignited debate over VAR effectiveness and whether the technology requires fundamental reform.