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Howard Webb dissects key decision controversy in Newcastle United v Aston Villa match

Howard Webb, PGMOL and the Premier League made the decision to open up discussions between the referee and the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) for key incidents. In this latest instalment...You can click here to read the full article.

Published: Tuesday, 20 October 2026 at 6:34 PM
Howard Webb dissects key decision controversy in Newcastle United v Aston Villa match
Key Things to Know
  • Howard Webb analyzed the decision to award Sven Botman a yellow card against Aston Villa on "Match Officials Mic'd Up."
  • Referee Jarred Gillett booked Botman for a challenge on Nicolas Jackson without VAR Stuart Attwell intervening.
  • Webb explained that the challenge was subjective, meaning the VAR rightly allowed the on-field decision to stand.
The Story in 60 Seconds

PGMOL chief operating officer Howard Webb reviewed a controversial tackle from Newcastle United's defeat to Aston Villa on "Match Officials Mic'd Up." During the match, referee Jarred Gillett showed Sven Botman a yellow card for a challenge on Nicolas Jackson, and VAR Stuart Attwell chose not to recommend an on-field review for a potential red card.

Webb explained that the incident was subjective and represented a high-end reckless challenge rather than clear and obvious serious foul play. Audio from the review revealed that Attwell and Assistant VAR Craig Taylor confirmed the yellow card because Botman made contact with the ball and avoided direct stud contact on Jackson's leg.

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