Soccer1h ago
Webb Defends VAR Choices on Botman and Bentancur Incidents
Howard Webb said the video assistant referee made the right choice by not stepping in after Sven Botman received a yellow card for his challenge on Nicolas Jackson.
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Botman Tackle Stays Yellow
Howard Webb said the video assistant referee made the right choice by not stepping in after Sven Botman received a yellow card for his challenge on Nicolas Jackson. The referee on the field saw Botman go over the top and connect with a trailing leg, but without strong stud contact on the ankle or shin. Webb noted that the decision could have gone either way on the pitch, yet the lack of clear extra force meant the call stayed as given. He added that a red card would also have been supported without change.
Outcome at St James' Park
Aston Villa secured a 1-0 win in the match, and the referee team accepted that the tackle was a borderline case. Webb stressed the current approach gives the on-field official ownership unless something is clearly wrong, avoiding re-refereeing of close calls.
Bentancur Red Card Upheld
Webb also backed the officials in Manchester United's 1-1 draw with Tottenham. Rodrigo Bentancur was sent off for headbutting Luke Shaw after Shaw pushed him in the chest. The video assistant confirmed the red for violent conduct while leaving Shaw on a yellow, as chest pushes rarely lead to dismissals.
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