Howard Webb, the chief of English football’s refereeing body (PGMOL), has publicly acknowledged that West Ham’s controversial penalty during their 2-1 win over Manchester United on October 27 was an error by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR). The decision, which contributed to Erik ten Hag’s dismissal as United’s manager the following day, has sparked fresh debates over VAR’s role in the Premier League.
During the match, referee David Coote initially waved play on following Matthijs de Ligt’s challenge on Danny Ings. However, VAR official Michael Oliver advised Coote to review the incident, leading to a penalty awarded after Coote checked the pitch-side monitor. West Ham’s Jarrod Bowen successfully converted the penalty, ultimately securing a victory that deepened the crisis at United and marked the end of Ten Hag’s tenure.
Reflecting on the call during his appearance on *Sky Sports’ Mic’d Up* program, Webb expressed that VAR had “misread” the situation. “I thought it was a misread by the VAR,” Webb explained, saying that Oliver, typically a “talented and reliable” official, had become overly focused on De Ligt’s contact with Ings rather than the overall context of the play.
According to Webb, VAR should not have intervened, as the initial decision by Coote to let play continue was likely correct. “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 added. Webb also clarified that on-field referees have the option to retain their initial call, even when advised by VAR to reconsider.
Controversy Surrounding David Coote
Webb’s public statement on the West Ham incident comes amidst an ongoing investigation into referee David Coote, who is currently suspended pending review of a separate issue. Coote is alleged to have made derogatory comments about Liverpool and their former manager Jurgen Klopp in a video that surfaced online. PGMOL responded swiftly by suspending Coote and launching a thorough investigation.
“We became aware of a video that was being circulated on social media that we are taking very seriously,” Webb stated. “We’ve instigated a full investigation, and there’s not much more I can say at this stage until we’ve worked through that investigation.”
Webb’s statements highlight ongoing challenges for PGMOL, which has faced heightened criticism in recent months over VAR inconsistencies and referee accountability. For fans, the dual controversies of Coote’s suspension and the VAR mistake in the West Ham-Manchester United game reinforce concerns about the effectiveness and transparency of officiating standards.
As football’s reliance on VAR continues to stir debate, Webb and PGMOL remain under pressure to address these high-profile errors and restore trust in the officiating system.
