The Premier League’s referee body, PGMOL, has responded to accusations of undue influence involving its chairman, Howard Webb, in the sending off of Williams Saliba, during Arsenal’s 2-0 defeat to Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium.
For the third time this season, Arsenal had to finish a Premier League game with 10 men.
After previously earning draws against Brighton and Manchester City despite going a man down, the Gunners were unable to avoid defeat against Bournemouth.
Pay Attention: Get the best tips from our Bet of the Day
The accusation against Webb
Saliba was initially shown a yellow card for a last-man tackle, but VAR intervened, and Jones was instructed to review the incident on the pitch-side monitor. He subsequently upgraded the yellow card to red, leaving Arsenal to play with a numerical disadvantage for over an hour.
During the VAR review, the cameras captured Webb, who was present at the stadium, seemingly listening in on the deliberations.
This prompted accusations from some quarters that the former Premier League referee influenced the outcome of the decision.
PGMOL’s Response
In response to the claims, the PGMOL issued a statement acknowledging that Webb was indeed listening to the conversation between the referee and the VAR.
However, they were quick to clarify that he had no role in influencing the final decision.
According to a report from the Times, PGMOL confirmed that Webb’s involvement was strictly limited to listening in on the exchange, stressing that the conversation was “one-way” and that Webb did not interfere with the process.
Arsenal’s Focus Shifts
While the controversy lingers in some circles, Arsenal have already shifted their attention to their midweek Champions League fixture against Shakhtar Donetsk. Saliba, who will begin his Premier League suspension next weekend against Liverpool, remains eligible for the European clash.
