Pro Ref chief Howard Webb has stated that "tunnel vision" by video assistant referee (VAR) officials was the cause of a significant error in the recent Manchester derby, where a goal for Erling Haaland against Manchester United was wrongly allowed to stand. The incident, which occurred at Old Trafford, has drawn widespread criticism and led to the standing down of the VAR officials involved.

This error is particularly consequential as it occurred in one of English football's most high-profile matches. The decision to award Haaland's goal, after it was initially disallowed for offside, ultimately contributed to Manchester United's second loss in four Premier League games this season. Pro Ref, the organization overseeing professional refereeing in England, has since acknowledged that the goal should have been disallowed.

Webb, who serves as Pro Ref's chief refereeing officer, expressed his disappointment with the outcome, noting that the officials themselves are also "hurting" from the mistake. He explained that the VAR team failed to adequately assess the involvement of teammate Enzo Fernandez, who was in an offside position and attempted to play the ball. This oversight meant the crucial context of Fernandez's action was missed in the review process.

The implications of such errors extend beyond a single match. VAR, intended as a tool to correct "clear and obvious errors" using technology and human judgment, has become a contentious subject in football. Critics argue the technology is becoming "far too dominant" in decision-making, overshadowing the game itself.

Webb confirmed that VAR officials Matt Donohue and assistant VAR Blake Antrobus have been removed from officiating duties until after the international break. He emphasized that Pro Ref has reached out to Manchester United to acknowledge the mistake, a process they follow when such errors occur. The body responsible for refereeing in English professional football later admitted the goal should not have been awarded.

Detailing the VAR officials' process, Webb explained that while the semi-automated offside system correctly identified Haaland as onside, the human review by the VAR became overly fixated on the striker's position. This focus prevented a thorough evaluation of Fernandez's influence from an offside position, a key element in determining offside offenses according to established rules.

"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," Webb said, describing the VAR's review. "He doesn’t touch the ball, but he doesn’t truly evaluate other elements of offside. In that moment, he gets tunnel vision."

Former Manchester United player Wayne Rooney and other football experts have voiced strong opinions about the use of VAR, with some labelling its application as "horrendous." The incident at Old Trafford has reignited debates about the technology's implementation and its impact on the integrity and flow of professional football matches, leaving unresolved questions about accountability and future improvements.