“Richard Keys Blasts Howard Webb After Spotting His Reaction to Saliba’s Red Card from the Stands”
“Richard Keys Slams Howard Webb Over Saliba Red Card After Spotting Controversial Actions in the Stands”
Cameras focused on Howard Webb during VAR’s decision to send off William Saliba.
Richard Keys criticized PGMOL chief Howard Webb as VAR reviewed an incident involving William Saliba in Saturday’s match between Arsenal and Bournemouth.
In the 30th minute of the Premier League clash at the Vitality Stadium, referee Rob Jones initially gave Saliba a yellow card for fouling Evanilson. However, following a lengthy VAR review, the card was upgraded to a red.
During the review, many speculated about Webb’s involvement after he was seen talking on his phone in the stands.
One such person was former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher, who, in a now-deleted post on X, questioned, “Was Howard Webb involved in the decision-making for Saliba’s red card?”
Carragher wasn’t alone in raising concerns. Former Sky Sports presenter Richard Keys also took to X to comment, asking, “Who was Howard Webb texting? And why?”
Telegraph journalist Sam Dean added his insight, clarifying that Webb, who was present at the Bournemouth-Arsenal match, could only listen to the refereeing audio but couldn’t speak on it directly.
After Saliba’s dismissal, the Premier League’s Match Centre clarified the decision, stating: “The referee initially gave Saliba a yellow card for a challenge on Evanilson. VAR determined that Saliba had denied a clear goal-scoring opportunity and recommended an on-field review, leading to the yellow being upgraded to a red card.”
Meanwhile, Arsenal fans in the stadium made their opinions clear, chanting “F*** Howard Webb” as the first half ended.
Here’s how fans on social media responded to the incident:
One fan remarked, “Howard Webb on the phone and then touching his ear during the Saliba review doesn’t look good, in my opinion. Just saying @FA_PGMOL.”
Another questioned, “What do you think Howard Webb is saying and who do you think he’s talking to during the VAR check that led to Saliba’s red card?”
A third chimed in, “Howard Webb during VAR’s review of Saliba’s possible red card… hmmm.”
A fourth added, “Call me a conspiracy theorist, but the ref gives Saliba a yellow, then the camera shows Howard Webb texting and putting his finger to his ear, and suddenly it’s upgraded to a red…”
