Howard Webb criticizes accidental handball rule and VAR's recent errors
The Guardian Sport • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 15, 2026, 4:59 PM
Last updated Sep 15, 2026
Howard Webb, the chief refereeing officer for English football, has called for reform of the accidental handball law, labeling it a 'nonsense'. He expressed his disappointment with a VAR decision in the Manchester derby that allowed Manchester City to claim victory. Webb highlighted the need to prevent referees from being caught in 'ridiculous situations' caused by the current rules. His comments come as the debate over VAR's effectiveness continues to intensify following controversial decisions in recent matches.
- •Webb criticizes the accidental handball rule as 'a bit of a nonsense'.
- •He was disappointed with VAR's failure to spot offside interference in the derby.
- •Webb aims to prevent referees from facing 'ridiculous situations'.
- •His comments were made after Manchester City's derby victory over United.
- •The debate over VAR's role in decision-making continues.
- 4:59 PMThe Guardian Sport — Howard Webb says accidental handball law ‘a nonsense’ and calls for reform
"Webb wants to stop ‘ridiculous situations’ Says VAR officials in United v City had ‘tunnel vision’ Howard Webb has described the law around accidental handball as “a bit of a nonsense” and called for its reform to stop referees being drawn into “ridiculous situations”. The chief refereeing officer for English football made his remarks on Tuesday, when he also fronted up over the error that allowed Manchester City to win Sunday’s Manchester derby. Webb said he was “really disappointed” with the video assistant referee call that failed to spot Enzo Fernández interfering with play from an offside position before Erling Haaland scored the only goal. Continue reading...
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