VAR Blunder Unearthed by Howard Webb in Liverpool vs. Arsenal Encounter

In a recent revelation, Howard Webb, the head of the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), disclosed a significant mistake made by VAR officials during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Arsenal. The game ended in a 1-1 draw in December, but Webb believes that Arsenal captain, Martin Odegaard, should have been penalized for a handball inside his own box.

During his appearance on Match Officials Mic’d Up alongside Michael Owen, Webb delved into the contentious refereeing decisions from the past month, shedding light on the overlooked incident. Odegaard, while appearing to have lost his footing, made what seemed to be contact with the ball using his hand in the first half of the match at Anfield. However, the on-field referee, Chris Kavanagh, dismissed the appeals for a penalty, a decision that was upheld by VAR official David Coote.

According to Webb, the VAR officials ruled that Odegaard’s actions could be construed as an attempt to make himself smaller by pulling his arm back towards his body, thus deeming it a non-deliberate handball. However, Webb vehemently disagrees with this assessment. He emphasized that regardless of whether the action was instinctive or deliberate, Odegaard gained a significant advantage by pulling his arm back towards the ball. Webb further stated that the unequivocal feedback received indicated that a penalty should have been awarded in that situation.

In conclusion, Webb expressed his concurrence with the sentiment that the decision concerning Odegaard’s handball did not yield the correct outcome.

This revelation by Howard Webb has sparked fresh debates about the effectiveness and accuracy of VAR in the English Premier League, igniting fervent discussions among football enthusiasts and analysts alike. As the clamor for transparent and consistent officiating grows, instances such as these serve as a poignant reminder of the imperfections that still plague the beautiful game.