What changed
Matt Donohue, the video assistant referee for the Manchester derby, and his assistant VAR, Blake Antrobus, will not officiate this weekend’s Premier League matches.
Why it matters
The decision leaves both officials without an immediate assignment after one of the league’s biggest fixtures. It also puts PGMOL’s appointment process under scrutiny: omitting officials can serve as a short-term accountability measure, but this report does not say whether that is the reason here.
For clubs and managers, the practical question is simple: does this become a clear review with an explanation, or just a quiet change to the rota? The officials’ future depends on what appears in the next appointment rounds.
The last time this happened
In February 2023, John Brooks was removed from two VAR assignments after an offside-line error involving Brighton, while Lee Mason was omitted from the next fixture round after missing an offside in Arsenal’s match against Brentford. PGMOL later confirmed Mason’s departure by mutual consent. The Guardian’s earlier report shows the useful parallel: near-term omission can come before a longer personnel decision. The difference matters here because no specific Manchester derby error or disciplinary reason has been reported.
What to watch next
The next Premier League appointment lists should show whether Donohue or Antrobus returns. An explanation from PGMOL or the Premier League would also clarify whether this was review, discipline or routine scheduling.
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