VAR OFFICIAL STOOD DOWN THIS WEEKEND AFTER MANCHESTER DERBY ERROR

 

The goal was initially ruled before the decision was reversed

The VAR who made an "error of judgement" in awarding a goal to Manchester City in Sunday's derby at Old Trafford has not been appointed to a Premier League game this weekend.

Matt Donohue, along with assistant Blake Antrobus, awarded a goal to City after a VAR check, despite Enzo Fernandez appearing to interfere with play in an offside position in the build-up to Erling Haaland’s goal.

Referees' body Pro Ref conceded it had been an error for Donohue not to send referee Michael Oliver to the screen to determine whether Fernandez’s involvement was sufficient to make him offside. The goal had been disallowed on field for an offside against Haaland, who was found on review to be being played onside by Patrick Dorgu.

Fernandez certainly appeared to have an impact on the actions of United defender Lisandro Martinez and goalkeeper Senne Lammens in his attempt to head the ball in, which would meet the definition for offside to be given.

Donohue made his Premier League officiating debut in May 2024, having gained promotion to the EFL’s assistant referees list in 2014. He has been used extensively as a VAR over the last two years.

Antrobus has also not been appointed to a game this weekend. Oliver will officiate Sunday’s match between Bournemouth and Liverpool.

Former Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney said the decision to give the goal was "baffling".

Rooney told the BBC’s Match of the Day 2: "I’m just so sick of this VAR, I think it’s horrendous. It takes all the emotion off the game, the energy the game’s played with, and to not see that and recognise Fernandez is in an offside position…

"Anyone who’s played the game at any level understands that and knows that he’s in an offside position…to get it so wrong, it’s just baffling."

- RTÉ Sport

ENZO FERNANDEZ DEAL PROFIT EXPLAINED

 

Most people see the Enzo Fernandez record-breaking deal to Manchester City and believe Chelsea made an £18.2m profit.

The fact is, Chelsea has just made a whopping £56m accounting profit.

It’s called amortization, and here is how it works…

Chelsea signed Enzo for about £106.8m on an 8.5-year contract.

They don’t record the entire £106.8m as an expense in one year. Instead, the transfer fee is spread across the length of his contract.

£106.8m ÷ 8.5 years = approximately £12.6m per year.

After roughly 3 years, Chelsea has recognised about £37.7m of the transfer fee as an expense.

That leaves Enzo with an approximate £69.1m book value on Chelsea’s books.

Now, Chelsea sells him to Manchester City for £125m:

£125m − £69.1m = approximately £55.9m.

So, Chelsea has made roughly £56m in accounting profit on the sale. Based on the original amortisation schedule.

- Kriz Cfc

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MOST EXPENSIVE PLAYERS EVER | TOTAL COMBINED TRANSFER FEES

 

RECORD TRANSFER FEE FOR ENZO FERNANDEZ

The joint-British record transfer fee! 💰

Man City have agreed a deal with Chelsea for Enzo Fernandez worth £125m 🇦🇷🤝

CHELSEA SIGN ECUADOR'S CAICEDO FROM BRIGHTON FOR BRITISH RECORD FEE

Chelseafc.com

Chelsea have broken the British transfer record for the second time in a year by signing Ecuador midfielder Moises Caicedo from Brighton & Hove Albion on an eight-year contract on Monday.

Financial details were not disclosed but British media said Chelsea will pay 115 million pounds ($145.96 million), eclipsing the 106 million pounds record fee the London club paid to sign Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernandez from Benfica in January.

"I am so happy to join Chelsea! I am so excited to be here at this big club and I didn't have to think twice when Chelsea called me, I just knew I wanted to sign for the club," Caicedo, 21, said in a statementfrom the Premier League side.

"It's a dream come true to be here and I can't wait to get started with the team."

CHELSEA MEME