Premier League sidelines Manchester derby VAR crew for weekend fixtures

The Premier League has confirmed that video assistant referee Matt Donohue and his assistant Blake Antrobus will not be assigned to any matches this weekend, according to BBC Sport. The duo, who were slated to oversee the high‑profile Manchester derby, were omitted from the official appointment list released on Friday.

In the English top flight, the VAR team plays a pivotal role in reviewing key incidents such as goals, penalties and red‑card decisions. Appointments are typically made weeks in advance, with the league favouring officials who have demonstrated consistency in previous fixtures. For a clash as charged as Manchester United versus Manchester City, the league usually selects its most experienced VAR personnel to help manage the inevitable scrutiny.

Matt Donohue has been part of the Premier League’s VAR panel since its introduction in 2019, handling dozens of high‑stakes games, including previous Manchester derbies. Blake Antrobus, a former on‑field referee, transitioned to the VAR role two seasons ago and has since assisted in several title‑deciding encounters. Neither has been publicly linked to recent controversy, making their absence notable rather than punitive.

The league rotates its officials to prevent fatigue and to provide assessment opportunities. Sources within the officiating department, speaking on condition of anonymity, suggest that a routine rotation schedule, combined with ongoing performance reviews, led to the decision. Replacement VAR officials, yet to be named, will step in for the weekend’s slate of matches, which includes fixtures involving Liverpool, Chelsea and Tottenham.

VAR’s presence in the Premier League remains a flashpoint among fans and pundits. While the technology aims to reduce clear errors, critics argue that inconsistent application still fuels debate. Changes to the VAR roster, especially for marquee games, can influence public perception of fairness and transparency, underscoring why the league’s appointment announcements attract close attention.

The Manchester derby is still set for Saturday night, with the on‑field referee and his assistants already confirmed. The Premier League will release the full VAR team for the derby later this week, ensuring that the match proceeds under the league’s standard video‑review protocols.