PGMOL chief Howard Webb says David Coote was wrong to award a penalty to West Ham in their win over Manchester United, following a VAR intervention.
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Coote suspended after viral videoCriticism of Liverpool has caused outrage onlineFurther controversy that also involves Michael OliverFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Coote's career as a Premier League referee is hanging in the balance and now any return has been cast into further doubt after PGMOL chief Webb admitted his decision to award West Ham a penalty in their recent win over Manchester United was wrong. Coote initially waved play on after Danny Ings was brought down in the box by Matthijs de Ligt in the final minutes of the game, with the referee reversing his decision and awarding a penalty after being advised by VAR to check the incident on the monitor. Jarrod Bowen cooly converted from the spot to give the Hammers a big win, with Erik ten Hag then sacked as head coach following that result.
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Speaking on Sky Sports' , Webb said: "I thought it was a misread by the VAR. A VAR that's normally really talented and reliable, but gets uber-focused in this situation on De Ligt's leg. His leg coming through on to Danny Ings, not making any contact with the ball. The ball's already past De Ligt as he makes contact with Danny Ings. And the VAR sees that as a clear foul. I think he (Michael Oliver) 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."
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Webb added that the PGMOL are taking the recent scandal very seriously and will be conducting a full investigation before deciding Coote's future. But with his public criticism of Liverpool – in particular Jurgen Klopp – there would be severe backlash if he were to be involved in a game concerning the Reds again, or any that could have implications on their league position.
Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR COOTE?
There is no timeline yet for when a decision will be made on the match official, but Coote has been pulled out of his duties during the interational break. He will no longer be able to referee in UEFA competitions either, until there is a conclusion to the case.
