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Pro Ref Chief Attributes Manchester Derby VAR Error to 'Tunnel Vision'

By Reuters

Howard Webb, chief refereeing officer for Pro Ref, stated that "tunnel vision" caused video assistant referee (VAR) officials to incorrectly allow Erling Haaland's goal during Sunday's Manchester derby at Old Trafford. Webb indicated that Pro Ref, the organization overseeing refereeing in English professional football, is disappointed with the decision. Haaland's second-half goal was initially disallowed for offside but was subsequently permitted after a VAR review concluded the Manchester City forward was onside. Pro Ref later acknowledged that the goal should not have been awarded because VAR did not properly assess the involvement of teammate Enzo Fernandez, who attempted to play the ball from an offside position.

Webb commented on Match Officials Mic’d Up on Sky Sports and TNT Sports, saying, “I was really disappointed with this outcome. We all are. None more so than the officials themselves.” He added, “They take a lot of personal pride in what they do, and they’re obviously hurting now having fallen short in this situation.” FIFA defines VAR as a refereeing support tool designed to enable the checking, reviewing, and correction of clear and obvious errors during a match.

Webb confirmed that VAR officials Matt Donohue and assistant VAR Blake Antrobus would not officiate again until after the international break. He stated, “We’ve reached out to Manchester United and acknowledged the error, as we do when these things happen.” Webb explained that while the semi-automated offside system quickly determined Haaland was onside, the VAR became overly focused on the striker's position and did not fully consider Fernandez’s influence on the play. “But of course, when he then runs it back through the full APP, he doesn’t truly evaluate the full impact of Fernandez’s position,” Webb said. He further explained, “He has a look to see if he touches the ball, because then that relates to potentially knocking it to Haaland, who goes on to score. He doesn’t touch the ball, but he doesn’t truly evaluate other elements of offside. In that moment, he gets tunnel vision.” Manchester United manager Michael Carrick criticized the decision following his side’s 1-0 home defeat, which marked their second loss in four Premier League matches this season. United is scheduled to host Brighton in the League Cup on Wednesday and then travel to Fulham in the Premier League on Sunday.