Webb backs yellow card call for Botman
Howard Webb has defended the choice not to send off Sven Botman during Newcastle United's recent match against Aston Villa. Newcastle defender Botman received a yellow card from referee Jarred Gillett for a tackle on Villa forward Nicolas Jackson. Jackson later stated that the challenge nearly broke my leg. Aston Villa won the game 1-0 at St James' Park.
Video assistant referee Stuart Attwell chose not to overturn the call. Webb explained that Botman went in over the top, but there was no stud contact with his extended leg into Jackson's shin or ankle. Botman instead caught Jackson with his trailing leg.
Lighter approach for officials this season
Webb noted that VAR should not second guess the official on the pitch. The goal is for the referee to hold ownership of the call, with VAR intervening only when a decision is clearly wrong.
He added that if Gillett had originally shown a red card, VAR would also have let that decision stand because the moment was subjective. Webb said this is a good example of the lighter touch approach being used in the Premier League this season.
Correct decision in United and Spurs match
Webb also discussed the officiating in Manchester United's 1-1 home draw against Tottenham Hotspur earlier this month. Spurs midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur was sent off for a headbutt on Luke Shaw, while Shaw was booked for pushing Bentancur in the chest.
Webb supported referee Stuart Attwell and VAR Jarred Gillett for their calls during that match. He stated that players are rarely sent off for pushes to the chest, but Bentancur deserved a red card for reacting with his head.
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