The Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) has clarified that chief Howard Webb did not influence the decision to issue a red card to Arsenal’s William Saliba during the match against Bournemouth.
The Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) has addressed speculation regarding Howard Webb’s involvement in the decision to issue a red card to Arsenal’s William Saliba during a recent match against Bournemouth. The clarification comes after concerns were raised on social media about Webb’s presence in the stands at the Vitality Stadium.
Footage captured by Sky Sports showed Webb, the PGMOL chief, tapping an earpiece while holding his phone. This was coincidentally during the VAR intervention by Jarred Gillett, who upgraded on-field referee Robert Jones’ initial yellow card for Saliba to a red after reviewing the incident in which Saliba fouled Evanilson near the halfway line, denying a clear goal-scoring opportunity.
“There have been one or two people you might have seen on social media speculating about what Howard Webb was up to in the crowd, the head of the PGMOL,” said Sky host David Jones. “He’s got that earpiece in as well, he’s got his phone out.
“But what we understand he is doing is listening to a match feed of the VAR officials and their communication with the on-field officials, as we do as broadcasters. But he has no input, he has no ability to talk to the officials who are actually making the decisions.”
According to reports from the Times, all PGMOL management staff have access to the audio feed of VAR officials when attending matches, but this does not allow them to influence decisions made on the pitch. The PGMOL’s swift response aims to clarify any misunderstandings about Webb’s role and reaffirm the integrity of the officiating process in professional football.
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