PGMOL chief gives verdict on VAR penalty which led to Erik ten Hag sacking

PGMOL referees chief Howard Webb disagreed with the decision to award West Ham United a penalty against Manchester United in a defeat which subsequently led to Erik ten Hag’s departure.

Matthijs de Ligt collided with Danny Ings in the closing stages of United’s trip to the London Stadium last month. The on-pitch official David Coote – the same referee who has subsequently been suspended after allegedly launching a foul-mouthed tirade against Liverpool – initially waved play on before he was ushered over to the touchline screen by VAR Michael Oliver.

Jarrod Bowen converted the 92nd-minute spot kick to earn West Ham a 2-1 victory. Less than 24 hours later, United sacked Ten Hag – who had lambasted the penalty decision as “unfair and unjust”. Without using terminology of the quite the same strength, Webb agreed with Ten Hag’s overall sentiment.

“I thought it was a misread, Leon, by the VAR, a VAR that’s normally really talented and reliable, but gets uber-focused in this situation on De Ligt’s leg,” the former Premier League official explained on the latest episode of Match Officials Mic’d Up.

“His 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.”

In-game audio between the officials was also released. After initially dismissing any foul, referee Coote was told by VAR Oliver that there was “lower leg contact from De Ligt onto Danny Ings with no contact on the ball from De Ligt”.