Webb defends VAR decision on Botman's tackle, calls it not 'clearly wrong'

Howard Webb, the referees' chief, stated that there was nothing "clearly wrong" with the decision not to send off Newcastle defender Sven Botman after his tackle on Aston Villa's Nicolas Jackson. The incident occurred during Newcastle's 1-0 defeat, where referee Jarred Gillett issued only a yellow card. This decision drew criticism from pundits, including Jamie Redknapp, who expressed concern over the potential danger of the tackle.

Jackson himself commented on the tackle, indicating that it was high and suggesting that it should have warranted a red card. He noted that he nearly suffered a serious injury but felt fine afterwards. The debate surrounding the tackle highlights the ongoing discussions about player safety and the standards for officiating in the Premier League.

Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher supported the view that the tackle was worthy of a red card, citing its speed and intensity. Other pundits echoed this sentiment, suggesting that Botman's challenge was more severe than other recent incidents that received harsher penalties. This has raised questions about consistency in officiating and VAR interventions this season.

Webb explained that the current approach to VAR is to avoid re-refereeing on-field decisions unless there is something clearly wrong. He acknowledged that the incident was subjective and that the referee deemed it a reckless challenge but not a red card. The VAR reviewed the tackle and confirmed the referee's decision, which has sparked further debate among fans and analysts alike.

In contrast, Webb affirmed that the decisions regarding Rodrigo Bentancur's red card and Luke Shaw's yellow card in a separate match were correct. He clarified that head contact is treated as a serious offence, while pushes to the chest typically do not result in a red card. This distinction underscores the challenges officials face when interpreting the laws of the game.

via Sky Sports