EPL Drama: Controversial VAR Decision Costs Ten Hag Job at Man Utd – Howard Webb

Howard Webb, the Premier League’s top referee, confirmed that during West Ham United’s 2-1 victory over Manchester United at home, the Video Assistant Referee, or VAR, had wrongly given them a penalty.

The Red Devils eventually fired Erik ten Hag as a result of the loss. In the 89th minute, with the score tied at one, Matthijs de Ligt and Danny Ings collided inside the penalty area.

Referee David Coote signaled play to continue, but VAR Michael Oliver suggested that he examine the incident on the pitchside monitor.

In the end, a penalty kick was given, and Jarrod Bowen scored to give the Hammers the win. The next morning, Ten Hag was let go.

Webb stated during his appearance on the Match Officials Mic’d Up show:

“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.”