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Webb: Tunnel Vision Led to Haaland Goal Stand

ESPN Soccer •
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Referees' chief Howard Webb said "tunnel vision" from VAR Matt Donohue led to Manchester City's derby winner being allowed to stand. Erling Haaland's goal was given after a review in Sunday's match against Manchester United at Old Trafford. Donohue and assistant VAR Blake Antrobus correctly determined Haaland was onside, but failed to recognise Enzo Fernández was interfering with play in an offside position. The decision caused uproar, and Donohue and Antrobus were stood down by Pro Ref for this weekend's Premier League matches.

Webb said on "Match Officials: Mic'd Up": "I was really disappointed with this outcome. We all are. None more so than the officials themselves." He added: "We've reached out to Manchester United and acknowledged the error."

Webb said Donohue was too focused on whether Fernández had touched the ball. "In that moment, he gets tunnel vision," Webb said. "This goal should have been disallowed."

United head coach Michael Carrick called it "worrying," while Wayne Rooney said he was "baffled." Webb said referee Michael Oliver was right to send off City's Phil Foden for a kick at United's Bruno Fernandes.