Matt Donohue, the video assistant referee for the Manchester derby, and his assistant VAR, Blake Antrobus, will not be assigned to any Premier League fixtures this weekend.
Pro Ref’s chief refereeing officer, Howard Webb, made the decision alongside the management team.
The move follows Pro Ref’s admission of an “error of judgement” in awarding Erling Haaland’s winning goal for Manchester City against Manchester United on Sunday.
Haaland scored in the 60th minute at Old Trafford, turning in Josko Gvardiol’s cross from close range.
The goal was initially disallowed on the field for offside but was awarded after VAR intervention, with the officials ruling that Patrick Dorgu’s boot had put Haaland onside.
However, questions were raised over whether the goal should have been disallowed, with Manchester City midfielder Enzo Fernandez appearing to interfere with play from an offside position as he dived to head the ball in a central area before Haaland’s finish.
“It was established that Enzo Fernandez did not play the ball and therefore that makes any offside offence subjective,” Pro Ref stated in a post-match report.
“However, on this occasion, the VAR did not recognise the likely impact of his position and should have recommended an on-field review.”
Manchester City, who had Phil Foden sent off in the 23rd minute, maintained their perfect league record with the victory, moving to four wins from four games.
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