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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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