Howard Webb praises VAR process in ruling out West Ham equaliser against Arsenal
The Guardian · 2026-05-12 · archive
Wilson goal chalked off for Pablo’s foul on RayaWebb: ‘On the video, it’s clear and it’s obvious’Howard Webb has commended the process that led toWest Ham’s equaliser against Arsenalon Sunday being overturned, describing Pablo’s foul on goalkeeper David Raya as “clear and obvious”.In what has been described as the most consequential decision in VAR history, the referee Chris Kavanagh eventually chose to rule out Callum Wilson’s late goal at the London Stadium, in the process handing Arsenal a distinct advantage in the title race. While Webb, the chief officer of Professional Game Match Officials, did not blame the official for...
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West Ham United’s late equalising goal during a recent home fixture against Arsenal was disallowed following a VAR intervention. The strike, converted by Callum Wilson, was ruled out after referee Chris Kavanagh reviewed an incident involving Pablo and Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya. Howard Webb, the chief of the professional officiating body, has since publicly endorsed the decision-making process. Webb noted that the video evidence provided a clear indication of a foul on the goalkeeper, justifying the reversal of the initial goal. This pivotal ruling at the London Stadium preserved Arsenal's lead, significantly impacting their position within the Premier League title race.
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