PGMOL chief Webb set to break silence on VAR drama, as Klopp ups the pressure
Referees’ chief Howard Webb will break his silence on the Tottenham v Liverpool VAR debacle when the second edition of Match Officials: Mic’d Up is broadcast next week.
The programme is due to be screened on Sky Sports and TNT Sports on Tuesday evening, which should give both broadcasters a ratings boost at the start of the international break.
The programme shown last month featured analysis of six VAR incidents, including Wolves’ futile penalty appeal at the start of the season when Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana collided with striker Sasa Kalajdzic. Webb admitted that should have been reviewed, but there will only be one major talking point next week.
Referees’ body PGMOL have not provided any officials for interview since last weekend, although they did issue a statement confirming that VAR protocols will be reviewed when they released audio of the Tottenham v Liverpool officials discussing the incident. Webb will again be joined by former England striker Michael Owen for the broadcast.
Jurgen Klopp’s call for Liverpool’s game against Tottenham to be replayed has left rivals convinced he is trying to increase pressure on referees to give his side favourable decisions.
The manager has been accused of using public statements to pressure referees in the past. Mark Clattenburg claimed Klopp tried to ‘get inside Paul Tierney’s head’ before a Premier League game against Manchester United two years ago, and Keith Hackett said the German was ‘trying to influence match officials’ by referring to Burnley’s ‘dangerous’ tackling the following season.
Klopp’s confrontations with the fourth official have become a regular occurrence on the touchline. But Liverpool insist his comments this week are simply an attempt to ensure
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