Premier League make decision over Manchester derby official after Erling Haaland controversy

Matt Donohue has not been appointed to a Premier League fixture for Matchweek 5 amid scrutiny over his role as VAR official in Sunday's Manchester derby.

Manchester City, who were down to 10 players, defeated Manchester United 1-0 at Old Trafford on Sunday through Erling Haaland's second-half goal.

Haaland's goal was initially given as offside, before VAR overturned it after ruling that the Norwegian was being played onside by United's Patrick Dorgu. But Pro Ref, the governing body responsible for overseeing professional refereeing in English football, later stated that the decision was an 'error of judgement' because of the role that City midfielder Enzo Fernandez played in the build-up.

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Matt Donohue not included on list of Premier League match officials

Donohue, who was on VAR duty at Old Trafford, has not been included, in any capacity, in the Premier League's list of match officials for Matchweek 5.

It is a relatively common move for the Premier League to take when an official is involved in significant scrutiny, though the league has not given a reason as to why Donohue has been stood down for MW5. The Guardian report that Pro Ref have told Donohue and his VAR assistant, Blake Antrobus, that they have not received appointments for the fixtures.

Match referee Michael Oliver, who was not sent to the VAR screen to assess the incident, will officiate Bournemouth versus Liverpool.

Surrounding Haaland's goal, Pro Ref stated that VAR had initially established that Fernandez, who was stood in a clear offside position, did not play the ball and 'therefore made any offence offence subjective'.

"However, on this occasion, the VAR did not recognise the likely impact of his position and should have recommended an on-field review," the statement continued. Pro Ref confirmed they had contacted United 'to acknowledge what we deem is an error of judgement'.

READ MORE: Pro Ref admits 'error of judgement' in decision to award Erling Haaland's goal vs Man Utd

The question mark was whether Fernandez, who was in an offside position, had an impact on United defender Lisandro Martinez's ability to play the ball.

The Argentine midfielder did attempt to play the ball himself, launching a diving header towards the ball that appeared to impair Martinez's view - even if Martinez's attempt at cutting out the cross could have been questioned.

There is also the positioning of goalkeeper Senne Lammens, who makes a slight diving motion when Fernandez goes to the ball, which may have impacted his ability to save Haaland's goalbound effort.

How Manchester United and Manchester City reacted

In an interview with Sky Sports, Martinez described the VAR's decision as an 'injustice' and 'unacceptable'.

"What I can't understand is the rules, you know?" the defender said. "He [Fernandez] was there. I went to him because he was in front of me, that's why Haaland was free. But I want to be calm now, I want to control myself."

READ MORE: Lisandro Martinez demands immediate action over 'injustice' after Manchester derby controversy

United head coach Michael Carrick echoed those thoughts, stating: "I just don't get it. I really don't get it. I can't understand how they're trying to help referees and putting so many layers behind them with so many people, so many bodies, so many screens, and so many whatever offices they are, to try and come up with the right decisions.

"If that's how the rules are interpreted, then you're not interfering with play because you've thrown yourself at the ball six yards from goal and pretty much nearly touched it. It's worrying if that's really how the game's seen by those who are officiating it."

City head coach Enzo Maresca said: "Erling was onside. The fourth official told me this; he said it was only a question of the action in the centre [Fernandez]. But I think it was completely clear that it was offside."

Haaland told Sky Sports: "I think there was a flick, so I thought maybe there was someone who flicked it, because I normally don't go offside.

"I told them... I took it personal that they thought I was offside! But I looked over to Enzo, the gaffer, and he gave me the thumbs-up, and I kind of knew it was a goal."