Robbie Savage blasts Howard Webb after ‘pathetic’ VAR mistake in Manchester United’s clash against Wolves and insists the former referee is held accountable for inconsistency
- Savage has criticised Webb despite being ‘a big fan’ of the former referee
- The ex-Man United midfielder revealed his support for Wolves boss Gary O’Neil
- WATCH: ‘It’s All Kicking Off’ – Episode 1 – Mail Sport’s brand new football show
Former Manchester United midfielder Robbie Savage has blasted PMGOL’s chief refereeing officer Howard Webb after the Red Devils got lucky against Wolves at the weekend.
In their Premier League clash at Old Trafford, new signing Andre Onana rushed out to claim a cross before missing the ball and taking out two Wolves attackers.
However, referee Simon Hooper did not see an issue with the attempt while VAR Michael Salisbury and assistant VAR Richard West did not intervene.
This led to the trio being dropped from the next round of Premier League fixtures, while Wolves were issued an apology for the mistake after the match.
Writing for the Metro, Savage demanded that Webb be held accountable and slammed PMGOL’s apology to Wolves.
He wrote: ‘Stuff your apologies – instead of saying sorry every week, referees and VAR officials need to get it right.
‘I’m a big fan of PGMOL’s chief refereeing officer Howard Webb. He is trying to communicate, be transparent and explain these new rules on timekeeping and conduct in the technical area.
‘But unfortunately, there were too many apologies for his officials’ blunders last season, and we’ve started the 2023-24 campaign in a similar, depressing vein. There comes a point where Webb has to be accountable, and Wolves manager Gary O’Neil has every right to feel he got a raw deal at Old Trafford on Monday night.’
The former midfielder, who’s son Charlie signed for Reading from Manchester United this summer, continued to blast the decision to book Wolves boss Gary O’Neil for protesting the ‘stone-wall’ penalty.
‘It was an absolute joke that O’Neil should be shown the yellow card for his understandably emotional reaction to the travesty,’ he continued. ‘Webb’s apology to Wolves that they were not awarded a penalty doesn’t make any difference.
‘The man on the moon could have seen it was a penalty, so why can’t a VAR on planet earth? Pathetic. O’Neil’s caution then added insult to injury. You can’t book a manager for showing emotion and passion on the touchline when his team has been robbed.’
Wolves will be hoping to pick up their first points of the season when they host Brighton this weekend, while Manchester United travel to Tottenham as they seek to make it two wins from two.
