Skip to main content

The Traffic NG

  • info@thetraffic.ng
  • 7 Nasir El Rufai Crescent, Guzape
THE TRAFFIC NG LOGO
THE TRAFFIC NG LOGO
ADVERTISE WITH US
VAR

Video Assistant Referee Matt Donohue and Assistant VAR Blake Antrobus have been suspended from the next round of Premier League fixtures following their handling of the Manchester derby.

The officials will remain sidelined until at least after the international break, following scrutiny of their decisions during the highly watched fixture.

The suspension adds to the continuing debate over the use of VAR in Premier League matches, particularly when decisions made or reviewed by officials have a direct impact on the outcome of high-profile games.

Donohue and Antrobus were part of the officiating team responsible for supporting the on-field referee through the video review process during the Manchester derby.

Their exclusion from the next round of fixtures means they will not be appointed to Premier League matches before the international break.

READ ALSO: 2027: Obi Supporters Will Protect Their Votes — Yesufu

VAR has remained a major source of controversy in English football since its introduction, with supporters frequently questioning the consistency, speed and interpretation of decisions.

The technology was introduced to reduce clear errors in major incidents, but its use has itself generated disputes over marginal calls and the extent to which video officials should intervene.

High-profile matches such as the Manchester derby attract particularly intense scrutiny because decisions can influence the title race, European qualification, relegation battle and local bragging rights.

The latest development is expected to renew discussions about officiating standards and the mechanisms used to review VAR performances.

Premier League officials operate under significant pressure, with every decision examined through television replays, multiple camera angles and detailed post-match analysis.

While suspensions are intended to provide accountability, they also highlight the need for continued assessment and training of match officials.

The Premier League and its refereeing structures have previously faced calls for greater transparency around VAR decisions and explanations of controversial incidents.

For supporters, the central concern remains consistency, particularly when similar incidents appear to produce different outcomes across different matches.

The officials’ suspension does not erase the controversy surrounding the Manchester derby, but it represents a formal response to concerns over the performance of the VAR team.

Attention will now turn to the next round of fixtures and the return of the officials after the international break, when their future appointments are expected to come under further scrutiny.

The incident is likely to keep VAR and refereeing standards at the centre of Premier League discussions as the season progresses.

The Traffic NG
VAR
Amarachi Ihesiulo

Ihesiulo Grace Amarachi is a Nigerian journalist, writer and media professional serving as the Editor-in-Chief of TheTraffic.NG, a digital news platform covering national and international affairs. Her editorial interests span politics, business, aviation, health, technology, entertainment, sports and social development. She is committed to credible journalism, insightful reporting and compelling storytelling that informs public discourse and keeps readers abreast of important developments in Nigeria, Africa and beyond.

The Traffic NG

Categories

Search
Recent Post
Sunday Dare Mobilises Support for Tinubu’s Second
  • October 30, 2026
  • 2 min read
Tinubu
Tinubu Defends Borrowing, Promises Infrastructure Gains
  • October 30, 2026
  • 3 min read
Peter Obi
2027: Obi Urges Nigerians To Choose Competence
  • October 30, 2026
  • 3 min read
    Featured Videos
    All Tags
    ADC Aliko Dangote Anthony Joshua APC Army Atiku Abubakar aviation CBN Court Customs Dangote Ebola EFCC FIFA First Lady First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu FRSC Gov. Hope Uzodimma Governor Hope Uzodimma INEC JAMB Lagos Lionel Messi NDLEA Nigeria NSC Nyesom Wike NYSC Oil PDP Peter Obi Police President Bola Ahmed Tinubu President Bola Tinubu Senate Senator Oluremi Tinubu sports Sunday Dare Super Eagles Super Falcons Taiwo Oyedele Troops United Nigeria Airlines Vice President Kashim Shettima Victor Osimhen

    Related Posts

    Champions League
    Sports
    Champions League Winner Marco Borriello Urges Juventus to Sign Top-Class Striker
    Sunday Oliseh
    Sports
    Sunday Oliseh Blasts Super Eagles Squad Quality
    Jake Paul,
    Sports
    Jake Paul Targets Anthony Joshua Rematch Following Comeback Clearance
    John Obi Mikel
    Sports
    Mikel Obi Blasts Manchester United Slump Under Carrick

    © 2025. All rights reserved  - Developed by ICS.