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'Tunnel Vision' - Man United Given Audio of Blunder as VAR Error Explained

On Sunday, Erling Haaland's goal for Manchester City against Manchester United was incorrectly allowed to stand after VAR review, as officials failed to penalize Enzo Fernandez for interfering with play from an offside position.
VAR Matt Donohue suffered from "tunnel vision" while checking Haaland's position, Pro Ref chief Howard Webb explained, causing him to overlook Fernandez's interference despite the assistant VAR failing to intervene.
While semi-automated technology confirmed Haaland was onside by three centimetres, Donohue remained fixated on that specific detail. Webb noted the team failed to identify the subjective offside despite established processes.
Pro Ref apologized to Manchester United, providing audio and footage of the review process to explain the error. Donohue and assistant VAR Blake Antrobus were stood down from officiating until after the international break.
Webb expressed deep disappointment on Tuesday, stating officials "take a lot of personal pride" in their work and are "hurting" after the error. The incident underscores ongoing challenges in VAR decision-making protocols.

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11 Articles

Delo

Lean Left

English Referees' Chief: Haaland's Goal Should Be Disallowed

Howard Webb believes Erling Haaland's goal in the Manchester derby should not have stood.

1 hour ago·Ljubljana, Slovenia

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Aftenposten

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The Referee Reveals the Mistake Behind the Haaland Goal: – Got Tunnel Vision

Erling Braut Haaland's goal against Manchester United was disallowed because the VAR team forgot to check the position of teammate Enzo Fernández.

3 hours ago·Oslo, Norway

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Vanguard News

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Why VAR allowed Haaland’s goal against Man United – Howard Webb

Professional Game Referees (Pro Ref) chief Howard Webb has explained how VAR’s “tunnel vision” contributed to the controversial decision to award Manchester City striker Erling Haaland’s winner against Manchester United in the Manchester derby.

16 hours ago·Nigeria

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Sky News UK

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Audio reveals VAR officials' 'tunnel vision' during Man City goal review

The audio of the VAR making the decision to award Manchester City their winning goal during Sunday's Manchester derby has been released.

17 hours ago·United Kingdom

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ESPN

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Webb: 'Tunnel vision' helped Haaland goal to stand

Referees' chief Howard Webb said "tunnel vision" from VAR Matt Donohue led to Manchester City's derby winner being allowed to stand -- but that the assistant VAR should have intervened.

18 hours ago·United States

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