Referee chief Howard Webb explains controversial Kai Havertz VAR penalty in Arsenal vs Man Utd

Arsenal news: PGMOL chief Howard Webb has explained why Arsenal's penalty against Manchester United for a Aaron Wan-Bissaka challenge on Kai Havertz was overturned

PGMOL chief Howard Webb has explained why VAR overturned the penalty awarded to Arsenal against Manchester United in the Premier League. The incident occurred mid-way through the second half with Kai Havertz brought down by Aaron Wan-Bissaka which saw on-pitch referee Anthony Taylor point to the spot.

Supporters in Emirates Stadium and at home were then left waiting as VAR reviewed the penalty decision with it the being recommended Taylor reviewed the incident at the pitch side monitor. Upon taking a closer look, Taylor chose to overturn his decision with a goal kick to Man United instead awarded.

The Gunners did go on to win the contest 3-1 courtesy of two late goals from Declan Rice and Gabriel Jesus after Alejandro Garnacho had a controversial strike ruled out by VAR for offside. Despite the penalty decision not affecting Arsenal, referee chief Webb has provided a closer look at why the decision was changed.

Speaking on the Premier League's Match Officials Mic'd Up show on Sky Sports and TNT Sports, he said: "I was watcing the game and I said to myself that looked like a penalty as Kai Havertz goes between Wan-Bissaka and Casemiro and a penalty was given and of course we know VAR will check every penalty given."

The feed then cuts to a reply of the challenge with the audio from Stockley Park VAR room. When reviewing the decision, VAR lead Jarred Gillett said: "So, there's nothing on Casemiro so we're focused on Wan-Bissaka. Right, so it's the right foot across from Wan-Bissaka and I'm just going to need a few angles.

"I don't think there's any contact from that right leg initially because he takes another step. There's minimal contact on the next one. And then there's really, really minimal contact there. So, I think that's an on-field review. I think there's no foul there."

"Alright Tayls [Anthony Taylor], I'm going to recommend an on-field review, to review the penalty kick." Taylor then heads over to the monitor and agrees with the verdict from VAR. He said: "Right, so as he steps and then Havertz kicks the leg and Wan-Bissaka doesn't make a challenge, yes? That's what I'm seeing now."

Upon cutting back to the studio Webb reflects on the decision to Michael Owen: "A good use of VAR. The referee believed that Wan-Bissaka had tripped Havertz, the video showed something quite different that there was no actual contact initially.

"Another step by Havertz and his leg goes into Wan-Bissaka, the VAR really calm and concise recognises all of that and thinks it's a clear and obvious error, I agree, a review is recommended and we get to the right decision."

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