Howard Webb has praised the VAR process that led to West Ham's equaliser against Arsenal being overturned, describing Pablo's foul on goalkeeper David Raya as 'clear and obvious'. The decision, taken by referee Chris Kavanagh after a four-minute review, ruled out Callum Wilson's late goal at the London Stadium, handing Arsenal a crucial advantage in the title race.
Speaking on the programme Match Officials Mic'd Up, Webb, the chief of Professional Game Match Officials (PGMO), acknowledged that the on-field referee missed the initial incident but argued that VAR intervention was inevitable. 'When you see the best angle on this, you'll see that that's what happens from Pablo. On the video, it's clear and it's obvious, and it happens early,' Webb said.
Webb noted that PGMO had specifically warned players before the season about the type of foul committed by Pablo. 'We've said all season, including in pre-season briefings with the players, that if a goalkeeper is impeded by an opponent grabbing or holding their arms and therefore can't do their job, they'll be penalised,' he explained.
The VAR team, consisting of Darren England and Akil Howson, took more than four minutes to complete the check. Webb defended the time taken, saying they were 'diligent' and aware of the importance of the situation. 'We have to take our time to get it right in this really important situation. We did, and you'll see this offence being identified,' he added.
