Howard Webb, the chief referee, believes that the penalty that was awarded to West Ham in Erik ten Hag’s last match as manager of Manchester United on 27 October was unnecessary.
The Hammers were awarded the decision after video assistant referee (VAR) Michael Oliver recommended a review of the challenge made by Matthijs de Ligt on Danny Ings.
David Coote, the referee in charge of the match, did not stop play and signed a penalty for the team against the Nethertts after watching a replay on the pitch-side monitor.
The penalty was converted by Jarrod Bowen to secure a 2-1 win for West Ham. Less than 24 hours later, Ten Hag was dismissed.
“I thought that was a situation where the VAR made a mistake,” Webb stated on Sky Sports’ Mic’d Up programme.
“A VAR that is usually very competent and dependable, but becomes overly fixated in this case on De Ligt’s leg. His leg coming through onto Danny Ings, without touching the ball. The ball is past De Ligt already when he makes contact with Danny Ings.
“And that in the eyes of the VAR, is an obvious foul. I felt like that was clouding his judgement. I do not think he ought to have intervened.
“I guess all On-field referees would be instructed to let such a situation stand, plus realisticaly, the call did not lean towards giving any penalty kick.”
On-field referees are advised that they are not obliged to accept the opinion of the VAR official.
“They are told that they are absolutely within their rights to keep their decision when they go to the screen,” said Webb.
The head of PGMOL Webb was making a statement to the public after Coote had been suspended on the spot for abusive language towards Liverpool Football Club and former manager Jurgen Klopp that was found in an online video.
‘We became aware of a video that was being circulated on social media and contents of which we are taking very serious
