Everton Fans’ Forum slam Howard Webb comments as response issued to refereeing errors
The Everton Fans’ Forum has hit out at the response given by Howard Webb to questions over the standard of officiating in the Premier League.
The fan panel wrote to PGMOL head Webb after a number of controversial calls went against Everton, one such instance being a handball given against Amadou Onana in the loss to Manchester City.
Webb responded to that letter on Thursday (28 March), but he brushed over a number of topics and gave what appeared to be a generic reply.
The Everton Fans’ Forum posted on X [29 March]: “Yesterday we received a response to our letter/meeting with @FA_PGMOL head Howard Webb.
“We are disappointed with the lack of answers provided and have asked that a further sufficient response is provided by 5pm on 12/04/2024. Please see below the response from PGMOL.
“Alongside the response from Mr Webb, we’re also publishing the background document the Forum used for the meeting which took place on 30/01/2024 and the specific questions we raised which we feel have not been answered.”
Everton on wrong end of bad refereeing decisions
Webb deserves praise for responding to the letter, but he has not really understood the point of the original communication.
As a reminder, Everton have had a disproportionate number of big decisions go against them, particularly around the turn of the year.
For example, the Dominic Calvert-Lewin sending off against Crystal Palace that should never have been and was later overturned.
There was also Dejan Kulusevski’s challenge on Onana that should have resulted in a penalty, plus the handball call against the midfielder versus Man City.
Webb’s response, which can be seen in full here, is basically just protecting the referees rather than explaining the decisions in greater detail.
For all the talk of a second points deduction potentially relegating Everton, it may well be some of these dodgy calls prove just as decisive.
That is why those who make the mistakes must be held accountable. Hopefully Webb is able to provide a better response next time around.
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