Home / Sports / Dalot Red Card Escape: Webb Defends VAR Call
Dalot Red Card Escape: Webb Defends VAR Call
21 Jan
Summary
- VAR did not overturn yellow card for Dalot's challenge on Doku.
- Referees' chief Howard Webb defended the decision as 'referee's call'.
- Webb stressed analyzing incidents at full speed, not slow motion.

Howard Webb, the Premier League referees' chief, has stated that VAR correctly did not recommend a red card for Diogo Dalot during Manchester United's recent derby win against Manchester City. The initial on-field decision was a yellow card for Dalot's high challenge on Jérémy Doku, which VAR reviewed but did not upgrade.
Webb explained that while the tackle involved some force, it did not meet the threshold for excessive force required for a red card. He stressed that the judgment is subjective and that the referee's original call on the field should be respected when there are mixed considerations. This stance maintains consistency in how VAR interventions are applied.
Furthermore, Webb reminded observers that incidents should be assessed at full speed, as slow-motion replays can exaggerate the severity of challenges. He noted that a freeze-frame or slow-motion view can make many situations appear worse than they are in the context of live play. This principle is crucial for fair decision-making.



