Howard Webb worries about ‘lots of controversy’ after Amadou Onana incident in Everton loss to Manchester City.
In Howard Webb’s opinion, there would have been “a lot of controversy” if Everton had lost to Manchester City without a penalty being awarded to Amadou Onana.
Chief referee Webb has clarified that the officials made the correct call in penalizing the Toffees star for a handball during the team’s meeting at the end of December.
At Goodison Park, Manchester City defeated AC Milan 3-1. Julian Alvarez scored from the penalty spot after Onana stopped a Nathan Ake attempt with his hand.
According to Webb, “I think we have this one right on this occasion,” as reported by BBC Sport on January 16. “To decide which handball is played on the pitch, the assistant referee and the referee collaborate.
They notice that Onana’s hand is up by his head, blocking a shot that is aimed towards the goal. Even if I don’t think he intended to do that, the laws mention taking a chance by placing your hand in that position, so you don’t have to commit a lowly offense.
“He’s attempting to deflect the shot by extending his foot.” Though he doesn’t do it, his arm is in that position, blocking the shot. If we don’t give this, there will be a lot of controversy.”
Referee John Brooks gave a penalty after receiving confirmation from his assistant that the ball had really struck Onana’s hand; VAR subsequently upheld the ruling.
Naturally, the majority of spectators inside Goodison Park and the Everton players were still miffed by the decision.
When it comes to these kinds of choices, consistency is unquestionably necessary, but alas, the Premier League this season has not shown that consistency.
The visitors won 3-1, so the penalty may not have affected the final score, but it undoubtedly had a significant effect on the match.
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