Howard Webb 'frustrated' VAR failed to overturn Bruno Fernandes' red card decision

Referees chief Howard Webb expressed his disappointment regarding the lack of intervention from the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) when Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes was dismissed during their 3-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League.

Fernandes received a red card in the 42nd minute for a high tackle on James Maddison at Old Trafford last month, but he subsequently avoided a three-match ban after Manchester United successfully contested the decision.

"We released the audio, and you can hear the assistant referee — who had a clear view — stating, 'that looks awful, 100% red (card) for me,'" Webb remarked on the Stick to Football podcast.

"From his perspective, it appeared to be a foul, as it seemed the studs made contact. However, upon viewing another angle during the Sky Sports replay, I immediately thought, 'that will be overturned,' but it did not happen.

"I was disappointed that we did not intervene to correct the situation, as it was evidently incorrect in my view, and he did not make contact with the studs. Had he done so, it would have warranted a red card."

VAR was implemented in 2019 to assist on-field officials with critical match decisions, yet it has been surrounded by controversy, facing criticism for its lengthy reviews and delays that can extend for several minutes.

Despite significant backlash regarding the technology-assisted officiating system last season, teams voted in favor of retaining VAR in June.

Webb noted that VAR has committed significantly fewer errors this season.

"We have an independent panel consisting of former players who evaluate each decision weekly, and according to this independent panel — separate from us (PGMOL) — there have only been two VAR errors this season, compared to ten at the same point last year," he added.

SportsLigue