Matt Donohue dropped from Premier League fixtures after Manchester derby VAR error

Matt Donohue has been removed from the list of officials for this week’s Premier League matches after his “catastrophic” VAR error during Sunday’s Manchester derby at Old Trafford.

Professional Game Match Officials issued a public apology just three hours after the final whistle, after Donohue failed to intervene when Erling Haaland’s goal was allowed to stand despite a clear offside offence by Enzo Fernandez.

The Sun reports that Donohue and VAR assistant Blake Antrobus were left out of the appointments for the final round of Premier League fixtures before the international break.

A Professional Game Match Officials spokesperson said: “Matt Donohue and Blake Antrobus have not received any appointments for this week following Sunday’s Manchester derby.”

The spokesperson added: “The decision was taken by Howard Webb and the management team alongside the release of the latest match official appointments. This means the VAR and assistant VAR from the Manchester United and Manchester City match will not officiate any game until at least after the international break.”

Webb contacted Donohue within minutes of the final whistle to demand an explanation for the decision. Donohue, a former teacher and Tottenham supporter from Essex, moved to Manchester to attend university 10 years ago and still lives in the city.

Professional Game Match Officials published its formal explanation shortly after 21:00 BST on Sunday.

“VAR did not recognise the potential impact of his decision and should have recommended an on-field review,” the spokesperson said.

The organisation added: “Manchester United were contacted this evening to acknowledge what we consider to be an error of judgement, and a full review of the incident will take place.”

Although the incident has been accepted as human error, Webb recognised that decisive action was required. Premier League officials believe his proactive response helped deal with the situation, while the review is expected to be completed quickly and produce clear and robust recommendations aimed at preventing a repeat.

The Sun says the Premier League has no plans to lodge a formal complaint with Webb or Professional Game Match Officials because it considers the public acceptance of responsibility for the mistake to have been an important and visible step.

As a result, Donohue and Antrobus will not undertake any match-officiating duties until at least 11 October.