Howard Webb has offered an unexpected update regarding the controversial VAR decision that denied Bournemouth a last-minute winner against Newcastle United last month.
Despite remaining unbeaten and sitting 3rd in the Premier League behind Manchester City and Arsenal, the Magpies owe part of their position to a late VAR call that ruled out a potential winner from Dango Ouattara. The Bournemouth player thought he had secured the three points with a late header past Nick Pope, but VAR intervened, declaring that the ball had struck his arm before going into the net.
Referee David Coote overturned his original decision based on VAR’s assessment, which did not require him to consult a pitchside monitor. This was classified as a ‘factual’ handball decision, allowing VAR officials at Stockley Park to make the call using available technology.
This ruling has sparked significant debate within the Premier League, and Webb has expressed that he doesn’t believe the images were conclusive enough for VAR to disallow the goal.
During an appearance on the Premier League’s Mic’d Up show, Webb stated: “In this situation, the ball strikes Ouattara’s shoulder, upper-arm area. It’s challenging to determine exactly where it hit.
“The VAR decided that, in his professional opinion, it was in the arm area that should be penalized, specifically below the bottom of the armpit. That’s the key reference point. I don’t think it’s conclusive enough to intervene.
“If the on-field officials had ruled out the goal for handball, I also don’t believe there’s enough evidence to assert there was no handball either. Ultimately, it comes down to the ‘referee’s call.’
“It’s a vital concept, and for those factual matters, you need clear evidence. It’s apparent that the on-field call was incorrect, but I don’t think we have that clarity here.”
GET MORE NEWS ON LIFESTYLEROOM.NET
Leave a Reply