# VAR official Matt Donohue returns after Haaland goal error

> Premier League VAR official Matt Donohue set to return after wrongly awarding Erling Haaland's winner in Man Utd vs Man City derby.
- Title: VAR official Matt Donohue returns after Haaland goal error
- Summary: Premier League VAR official Matt Donohue set to return after wrongly awarding Erling Haaland's winner in Man Utd vs Man City derby.
- Keywords: matt donohue, erling haaland, manchester united, manchester city, premier league, var, enzo fernandez, pro ref, old trafford, derby, sports, official
- Source: Sky Sports — https://skysports.com/football/news/12040/13601893/var-official-matt-donohue-set-for-premier-league-return-after-wrongly-awarding-erling-haaland-winner-vs-man-utd
- Published: 2026-10-21T13:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: matt donohue, erling haaland, manchester united, manchester city, premier league, var, enzo fernandez, pro ref, old trafford, derby, sports
## VAR official Matt Donohue
Matt Donohue, the VAR official who incorrectly awarded Erling Haaland's winner in last month's Manchester derby, has been reinstated to Premier League duty.
## Incorrect offside call
Donohue and assistant Blake Antrobus failed to judge that Manchester City midfielder Enzo Fernandez was offside and interfering with play during the incident at Old Trafford on September 13.
## Return to action
Donohue is set to return to the Premier League and will serve as assistant VAR when Coventry host Fulham on Saturday.
## No recent matches
He has not featured in any of the three match rounds since the incident, while Antrobus made his first appearance since the derby as an assistant referee for Newcastle's home fixture against Aston Villa last…
## Pro Ref's tunnel vision
Pro Ref's chief refereeing officer Howard Webb said Donohue developed 'tunnel vision' by focusing on whether Haaland was offside, and added that the team around him should have helped pull him out of it.
## How the goal unfolded
In the 59th minute, Haaland tapped in a cross to give 10-man Man City the lead, but the goal was ruled out on-field after the assistant referee signalled for offside on the striker.
## VAR's decision
The semi-automated offside technology ruled Haaland onside, so the goal stood, but City midfielder Enzo Fernandez was clearly offside when he dived to reach the same cross.
## Pro Ref's apology
Pro Ref acknowledged an 'error of judgment' and stated the VAR should have recommended an on-field review for Haaland's winner, with a review of the incident to take place.
## Key takeaway

Premier League VAR official Matt Donohue will return to action after incorrectly awarding Erling Haaland's goal in the Manchester derby against Man Utd.