Howard Webb, the Premier League’s chief refereeing officer, acknowledged that West Ham United were incorrectly given a penalty through the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) in their 2-1 home victory against Manchester United. This error led to Erik ten Hag’s dismissal as manager of the Red Devils.
The controversial incident occurred in the 89th minute when Matthijs de Ligt and Danny Ings collided inside the penalty area.
Despite referee David Coote initially ignoring the incident, VAR official Michael Oliver recommended a review on the pitchside monitor.
Ultimately, a penalty was awarded and converted by Jarrod Bowen, securing the win for West Ham. The following day, Ten Hag was sacked from his position as manager of Manchester United.
Speaking on the Match Officials Mic’d Up show, Webb said: “I thought it was a misread by the VAR, a VAR that’s normally really talented and reliable, but gets uber-focused in this situation on De Ligt’s leg.
“His [De Ligt’s] leg coming through on to Danny Ings, not making any contact with the ball. The ball’s already past De Ligt as he 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. I would prefer no foul being given, no penalty.”
