Webb: I Feel Greatly Disappointed

Head referee Howard Webb said he was “deeply disappointed” by the error made by the video assistant referee (VAR), which led to Manchester City being awarded a winning goal against their neighbors United at the end of last week. Norwegian striker Erling Haaland scored in the second half as City beat their traditional rivals United 1-0 at Old Trafford in the Manchester derby on Sunday. Haaland’s close-range finish, set up by Croatian defender Josko Gvardiol’s cross, was initially disallowed for offside, but VAR official Matt Donohoe and his assistant Blake Antropos overturned the decision. Donohoe judged that City’s Argentine midfielder Enzo Fernandez had not interfered with play when he attempted to reach the ball before Haaland finished it in the net. City won the derby 1-0, but the result was overshadowed by controversy surrounding the decisive goal. United manager Michael Carrick said he was “astonished” by the decision, noting that Fernandez had obstructed his compatriot Lisandro Martinez’s attempt to clear the ball and may also have distracted Belgian goalkeeper Seny Lynen. The Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) has removed Donohoe and Antropoe from officiating Premier League matches this week.