In the Manchester Derby on September 13, Beijing time (CEST), Haaland scored the only goal of the match, but the goal proved highly controversial after the game. The decision-making process of VAR official Matthew Donohoe sparked intense debate following the match. This referee had previously served as the on-pitch referee in only 5 Premier League matches, though he had extensive VAR experience.

In Haaland's controversial goal, Enzo was in an offside position and suspected of being involved in the attack and interfering with the defending. VAR official Matthew Donohoe, after reviewing the replay, determined that Enzo had not participated in the attack and that Haaland's goal was valid. The on-pitch referee for this match, Michael Oliver, did not personally review the video replay at the touchline and directly adopted the VAR official's opinion.

After the match, the Premier League refereeing body acknowledged that this was a refereeing error. Although Enzo did not touch the ball, his actions while in an offside position interfered with the defending player and should have first been flagged as offside.

Referee Statistics

Matthew Donohoe joined the Premier League from the 2023/24 season, refereeing 5 Premier League matches as the on-pitch referee, issuing a total of 28 yellow cards, indicating a strict approach to card distribution.

His most notable match was the final Premier League game of the 2023/24 season, Luton vs. Fulham at home, where he issued 9 yellow cards in a single match; in other Premier League matches he has officiated, the number of yellow cards per match was no fewer than 3.

From the 2024/25 season onward, he has served more frequently as a VAR assistant in the Premier League, having worked as VAR in 49 Premier League matches to date. This season, he has participated in refereeing 4 Premier League matches, issuing a total of 15 yellow cards and 2 red cards.

This referee worked in the Championship for many years early in his career and is part of a new generation of Premier League referees who have gradually risen from lower leagues. He issued a high volume of cards and was strict during his time as an on-pitch referee, and now works primarily on the VAR team.

Traduzido por IA.

O site do AF já está online! Acesse notícias completas, comentários, detalhes de partidas e estatísticas no seu computador. Acesse: www.allfootballapp.com