Howard Webb admits referee mistake in Man Utds” 3-1 Brentford defeat

Premier League referee chief Howard Webb has reached out to Manchester United bosses to explain that a key error was made by matchday official Craig Pawson during the recent, damaging 3-1 defeat by Brentford.

Webb shared details about the mistake, which came when Man Utd were only a goal down and still had plenty of time left in the match.

Brentford secured a convincing 3-1 victory over Man Utd at the Gtech Community Stadium last month. Igor Thiago scored twice in the first 20 minutes of the match but Benjamin Sesko pulled one back for United in the 26th minute.

Igor Thiago of Brentford celebrates after scoring his second goal during the Premier League match between Brentford and Manchester United. (Photo by Vince Mignott/MB Media/Getty Images)

The flashpoint came in the second-half, when United were awarded a penalty after Nathan Collins fouled Bryan Mbeumo, but Bruno Fernandes‘ effort was saved by Caoimhin Kelleher.

It has since been claimed that referee boss Howard Webb has contacted United to say an error was made by the matchday officials.

Referee Pawson decided to issue a yellow card instead of a red card for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity. The Premier League Match Centre stated that VAR reviewed the decision, but ultimately concluded that Mbeumo was not in full control of the ball, leading to the decision not to issue a red card.

Nathan Collins of Brentford fouls Bryan Mbeumo of Manchester United leading to a penalty being awarded  (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

According to Daily Mail, Webb, the head of PGMOL (Professional Game Match Officials Limited), reportedly conceded the initial decision was an error. The controversy surrounding this particular decision highlights the ongoing debate about the use of VAR and the inconsistencies in its application.

After the match, Amorim said: “The referee told me Bryan was not in control of the ball, I think he was not in control because he was pulled. The media can say what happened. I don’t want to talk about the referee.”

Former Chelsea winger Joe Cole also told TNT Sports: “I think he got away with one, Collins. As a centre-forward and a player of that quality all Bryan Mbeumo has to do is put his toe on it. I feel for the referees, but looking at it again it is clearly a goalscoring opportunity.”

Manchester United have put the defeat behind them to record a convincing 2-0 victory over Sunderland at Old Trafford. The Red Devils now go into the international break on the back of a win, ahead of a mighty clash at Anfield against bitter rivals Liverpool on October 19.