Howard Webb

Howard Webb, the chief refereeing officer for Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), has recently commented on a significant VAR error during the Manchester derby between Manchester City and Manchester United. Webb explained that "tunnel vision" by the VAR officials led to the incorrect decision to allow Erling Haaland's goal, which had initially been ruled out for offside. This incident has drawn considerable attention and criticism. In response to the error, the two VAR officials involved in the match, Matt Donohue and assistant Blake Antrobus, have been stood down from officiating upcoming Premier League games. Webb's role involves overseeing refereeing standards and addressing controversial decisions, making his commentary and the subsequent actions taken highly relevant to the integrity and perception of officiating in top-flight English football.