Howard Webb defends VAR call as Sven Botman avoids red card against Aston Villa
PGMOL chief Howard Webb has defended the decision not to send off Newcastle defender Sven Botman for his challenge on Jackson during Aston Villa’s 1-0 win at St James’ Park, insisting VAR correctly respected Jarred Gillett’s on-field judgement.
Botman’s tackle drew strong criticism after the match, with Jackson arguing that the challenge was dangerous and could have caused a serious injury. The defender appeared to go over the ball, but officials did not find the decisive evidence needed for a VAR overturn.
Webb said video official Stuart Attwell was right not to intervene because Gillett’s decision was not a clear and obvious mistake. The key point was the absence of clear studs-on-leg contact, particularly around Jackson’s ankle or shin, and no clear “scissor” movement closing around the player’s leg.
The refereeing body has instructed VARs to take a reduced-intervention approach this Premier League season, with the match referee expected to retain control of subjective decisions rather than have incidents reassessed from Stockley Park.
“We do not want VAR to re-referee the referee’s decision,” Webb said. “The referee should own the call, with VAR stepping in only when something is clearly wrong.”
Webb accepted that the outcome could have gone the other way had Gillett produced a red card in real time. In that scenario, VAR would probably have supported the dismissal, given the subjective nature of the contact and the challenge.
Bentancur red card backed
Webb also backed the officials’ handling of Rodrigo Bentancur’s dismissal in Tottenham’s 1-1 draw with Manchester United. Bentancur was sent off after appearing to headbutt Luke Shaw following a confrontation that began with a challenge from the United defender.
Shaw received a yellow card for a forceful push to Bentancur’s chest, while the Tottenham midfielder was shown red for his response. Webb said the distinction between chest contact and violent conduct involving the head was crucial.
“You can say Shaw’s push is forceful, but it is to the chest and players are not normally dismissed for that,” Webb said. “A yellow card is right for Shaw, but Bentancur’s use of his head has to lead to a red.”
The latest public review is part of PGMOL’s effort to explain major Premier League calls and the VAR thresholds behind them.
