PGMOL head of referees Howard Webb disagreed with the decision to award West Ham United a penalty against Manchester United in a defeat that later led to the departure of Erik ten Hag.
Matthijs de Ligt collided with Danny Ings in the closing stages of United’s trip to the London Stadium last month On-field official David Coote, the same umpire who has subsequently done so been suspended after allegedly launching a foul-mouthed tirade against Liverpool, he initially continued play before VAR Michael Oliver brought him to the touchline screen.
Jarrod Bowen converted the kick in the 92nd minute to win West Ham a 2-1 win. Less than 24 hours later, United sacked Ten Hag, who had criticized the penalty decision as “unfair and unfair”. Without using equally strong terminology, Webb agreed with Ten Hag’s general sentiment.
“I thought it was a misread, Leon, of the VAR, a VAR that is normally very talented and reliable, but in this situation it focuses a lot on De Ligt’s leg,” the former Premier League manager explained in the last episode of The match officials have put on the microphone.
“His leg goes to Danny Ings, without making any contact with the ball. The ball is already past De Ligt as he makes contact with Danny Ings.
“And the VAR sees it 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 would leave the on-field decision as it is, probably whatever you call it, I don’t think it’s a penalty.
In-game audio between the officials was also released. After initially ruling out any foul, VAR Oliver told referee Coote that there was “a contact with De Ligt’s lower leg on Danny Ings without contact with De Ligt’s ball”.
