Webb Claims VAR Error Led to Incorrect Penalty for West Ham
Referees’ chief Howard Webb stated that West Ham United should not have been awarded a penalty during Erik ten Hag’s final game managing Manchester United on October 27. The penalty decision, which came after a challenge by United defender Matthijs de Ligt on West Ham’s Danny Ings, was made based on the recommendation of video assistant referee (VAR) Michael Oliver.
Despite the on-field referee David Coote allowing play to continue initially, he awarded the penalty after reviewing the incident on the pitchside monitor. Webb addressed the issue on Sky Sports’ “Mic’d Up” programme, saying, “I thought it was a misread by the VAR. Michael Oliver, who is typically reliable, seemed overly focused on De Ligt’s leg coming through on Danny Ings without touching the ball. Although contact was made, the ball had already moved past De Ligt.”
Webb further explained that Oliver’s focus on De Ligt’s leg coming into contact with Ings influenced the call, which Webb believes was unnecessary. He added, “In cases like this, we generally leave the on-field decision as it is. On balance, I don’t think it was a penalty kick.”
Referee Autonomy in VAR Recommendations and Controversy Surrounding David Coote
On-field referees are not required to accept the VAR’s advice and have the authority to maintain their initial decision after viewing the incident on screen. Webb emphasized, “Referees have full discretion to uphold their decision when they go to the monitor.”
De Ligt also addressed the penalty decision while on international duty with the Netherlands, sharing that the referees’ committee reached out to acknowledge the decision was erroneous. He added, “Normally, I am critical of myself, but in this situation, I couldn’t blame myself.”
The incident has brought further scrutiny to referee David Coote, who was suspended after a video circulated in which he allegedly made derogatory comments regarding Liverpool and former manager Jurgen Klopp. Webb confirmed that PGMOL is taking the matter seriously and has initiated a full investigation, resulting in Coote’s immediate suspension.
West Ham’s Jarrod Bowen converted the controversial penalty, securing a 2-1 victory over Manchester United. The loss marked the end of Ten Hag’s tenure, as he was dismissed less than 24 hours later.
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