English Premier League Referees’ chief Howard Webb has come out to say West Ham penalty against United should not have stood. The penalty which later resulted to the match decider ended Erik ten Hag’s stay with the club. The Dutchman after the game made it clear that poor officiating ruined the game but was already late.
The penalty was awarded by the referee after the VAR Michael Oliver recommended it. David Coote who was the center referee gave the penalty and Bowen converted it to end the game 2-1.
EPL Referees Asked Not to Allow VAR Decide for Them
The center referee had earlier waved it away but later awarded a penalty after reviewing it on the pitch-side monitor. Howard Webb speaking about it said: “I thought it was a misread by the VAR.”
He also said: “A VAR that’s normally really talented and reliable, but gets uber-focused in this situation on De Ligt’s leg. His leg coming through on to Danny Ings, not making any contact with the ball. The ball’s already past De Ligt as he as he makes contact with Danny Ings.”
“And the VAR sees that as a clear foul. I think he was too focused on that aspect. I don’t think he should have got involved.” “I think this is a situation where we’d leave the on-field decision as it is, probably whichever way it’s called. On balance, I don’t think it’s a penalty kick.”
He also said that it is not right for center referees to follow the recommendations of the VAR officials. He said: “They are told that they are absolutely within their rights to keep their decision when they go to the screen.”
Coote was officiated United game has been in many poor officiating decisions. He was suspended recently after a video surfaced online where made some derogatory comments about Liverpool. The referee said some things which was not nice about Liverpool and their former manager Jurgen Klopp.
Webb speaking on it said: “We became aware of a video that was being circulated on social media that we are taking very seriously.” “We’ve instigated a full investigation. One of our referees, David Coote, has been suspended with immediate effect pending the outcome of that investigation.”
He concluded by saying there is little he can say or do until investigations are concluded.
