Howard Webb Admits Referees Erred in Nottingham Forest vs Everton Match

Howard Webb, the chief refereeing officer of Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), has admitted that officials made a mistake by not awarding Nottingham Forest a penalty in their Premier League match against Everton on April 21, 2023. The incident in question involved Everton defender Ashley Young's challenge on Forest's Callum Hudson-Odoi in the second half.

Webb acknowledged that the Video Assistant Referee (VAR), Stuart Attwell, should have intervened and recommended that referee Anthony Taylor review the decision on the pitch-side monitor. "The VAR should have intervened, as the non-award of the penalty was 'clearly and wrong,'" Webb stated. However, the VAR did not see the challenge as worthy of intervention at the time.

Nottingham Forest had made three separate penalty appeals during the match, all involving Ashley Young. While Webb felt that the first two appeals were subjective calls, he agreed that the third incident, Young's tackle on Hudson-Odoi, should have resulted in a penalty for Forest.

The controversy surrounding the officiating decisions has led to further developments off the pitch. Nottingham Forest criticized the officials' performance on social media and in the media, with the club now facing potential charges from the Football Association for their responses. The Premier League is also investigating Forest's statement related to VAR official Stuart Attwell's potential bias due to his alleged support for Forest's relegation rivals, Luton Town.

Why this matters: The admission of the refereeing error by PGMOL chief Howard Webb highlights the ongoing challenges and scrutiny faced by match officials in the Premier League. The incident also underscores the importance of effective VAR interventions in ensuring fair and accurate decision-making during high-stakes matches.

Nottingham Forest, who are currently 17th in the Premier League standings and battling to avoid relegation, expressed their frustration with the officiating in the match against Everton. Manager Nuno Espirito Santo and defender Neco Williams are among those who could face punishments for their comments about the referees. With just three matches remaining in the season, every decision carries significant weight in determining the fate of clubs fighting for survival in the top flight.

Key Takeaways

• PGMOL chief admits officials made a mistake in not awarding Nottingham Forest a penalty.
• VAR should have intervened but did not see the challenge as worthy of intervention.
• Nottingham Forest criticized officials' performance, facing potential charges from the FA.
• Premier League investigating Forest's statement about VAR official's alleged bias.
• The incident highlights ongoing challenges and scrutiny faced by match officials in the Premier League.