- Referees’ chief Howard Webb states West Ham’s penalty against Manchester United was awarded in error during Ten Hag’s final match as manager
- Webb emphasizes that VAR misread the incident, suggesting the on-field decision should have stood without intervention from the video assistant referee
Referees’ chief Howard Webb has stated that West Ham should not have been awarded a penalty in Manchester United’s 2-1 loss on 27 October, which was Erik ten Hag’s last game as manager.
The penalty decision came after Matthijs de Ligt’s challenge on Danny Ings, initially deemed fair by on-field referee David Coote.
However, Coote changed his decision after VAR official Michael Oliver advised him to review the incident, ultimately awarding the penalty. Jarrod Bowen scored, securing a victory for West Ham, and Ten Hag was dismissed from his role shortly afterwards.
“I thought it was a misread by the VAR,” Webb told Sky Sports’ Mic’d Up programme.
“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 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.”
Webb’s comments also marked his first public address since referee David Coote was suspended following a video where he allegedly disparaged Liverpool and former manager Jurgen Klopp.