Howard Webb: VAR Should Have Overturned Fernandes' Red Card vs Tottenham

The Controversial Red Card: Bruno Fernandes vs Tottenham

In a recent Premier League clash, Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes had his red card against Tottenham under scrutiny. With the team trailing 1-0 at the end of the first half, Fernandes slipped before colliding with Tottenham’s James Maddison, leading to an immediate red card from referee Chris Kavanagh. The match concluded with United suffering a heavy 3-0 loss.

VAR Chief's Statement

PGMOL chief Howard Webb expressed that VAR’s Peter Bankes should have intervened to reverse Kavanagh's decision. According to Webb, the audio recording revealed the assistant referee deemed it a red card, influencing the on-field decision. However, Webb argued that although contact was made high, the slip first indicated a lack of intent.

Officials' Discussion

During the VAR discussion, the officials concluded:

• Assistant Referee: "That's awful mate. That's a red card for me, 100 percent."
• VAR: "It's not studs. It's shin height. It’s a deliberate act and made no attempt to play the ball."

Penalty Controversies: Crystal Palace vs Liverpool

In another incident, Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi felt he deserved a penalty after being held back by Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk during a tightly contested match. Despite Guehi's claims, VAR opted not to intervene.

Webb’s Analysis

Webb commented on the quick nature of the VAR decision, stating:

• “There's a small hold on him, but it has no impact; he is never getting to the ball.”
• “Slow motion can distort reality. In terms of force or sustained holding, you have to look at it in full speed.”

Penalty Decisions: Newcastle vs Manchester City

In a thrilling encounter, Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon was awarded a penalty against Man City, leading to an equalizer in a one-one draw.

Official Commentary

The VAR officials confirmed it was the correct decision. The dialogue purported by the officials highlighted the goalkeeper Ederson’s lack of judgment and the minimal contact which led to the penalty.

Everton's Claims Against Newcastle

Lastly, during Everton’s goalless draw with Newcastle, Dominic Calvert-Lewin was denied a penalty after going down under Dan Burn's challenge, reinforcing Webb’s belief that the on-field officials made the correct decision.

Webb’s Conclusion

After assessing the situation, Webb stated:

• “I don’t think it’s a penalty, it’s a good on-field decision.”

Conclusion: The Role of VAR in Football

The utilization of VAR continues to spark debates regarding its effectiveness in preventing errors during matches. As officials and VAR assess potential penalties and offenses, the discussion surrounding each call brings to light the complexities of the game.

Overall, decisions like Bruno Fernandes' sending-off and Marcelo Guehi's penalty claims showcase a need for clarity and consistency in officiating. As the season progresses, fans will be keenly watching how VAR evolves and reacts to these incidents.