Exclusive: Howard Webb must visit David Moyes after Everton v Man United ‘error’
Premier League referees chief Howard Webb should visit Everton manager David Moyes to prove there will be no repeat of the “major error” against his side, Keith Hackett has said.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that Webb could benefit from a discussion with the Toffees boss, just as he had when he held the same role.
Everton have impressed since the return of Moyes to the club last month, with their 2-2 draw with Man United on Saturday (22 February) pulling them further clear of the relegation zone.
However, that game at Goodison Park was not without its controversy after the hosts were denied the chance to score a late winner.
Everton take action over Man United penalty controversy
After Man United had fought back from 2-0 down to level the game at 2-2 in the second half, it looked as though Moyes’ side would have the chance to win it from the penalty spot in stoppage time.
As Ashley Young looked to get to a loose ball following a parried save by Andre Onana, the Everton full-back went down under pressure from both Matthijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire.
| Everton Premier League games since Moyes’ return | Result |
| Aston Villa (H) | Lost 1-0 |
| Tottenham (H) | Won 3-2 |
| Brighton (A) | Won 1-0 |
| Leicester (H) | Won 4-0 |
| Liverpool (H) | Drew 2-2 |
| Crystal Palace (A) | Won 2-1 |
| Manchester United (H) | Drew 2-2 |
Initially, referee Andy Madley had pointed to the spot, only for Everton to be denied a penalty after a VAR review.
With that decision causing plenty of shock and debate, Moyes has confirmed that his club have now spoken to PGMOL about the incident.
That has now led to Hackett issuing a suggestion to referees chief Webb about how he should respond to that move from the Merseyside outfit.
Howard Webb told to hold David Moyes talks by Keith Hackett
After being asked by Football Insider what Everton might hope to achieve with that move in the wake of that draw with Man United, and what the outcome might be, the former referee said:
“When I was boss of the PGMOL I visited David Moyes at Finch Farm when he was the manager of Everton years ago.
“On that occasion it was to view several videos and to discuss several yellow cards issued to Belgium player [Marouane] Fellaini.
“It was for me a worthwhile visit and the discussion was a learning experience for both of us and the player.
“I would like to see Howard Webb also visit him and discuss this major error that should have resulted in a penalty kick award to David Moyes Everton
“Referee Madley rightly pointed to the penalty mark only for VAR to intervene and then fail to show the referee the holding offence committed by Manchester United’s De Ligt.
“Webb needs to demonstrate that his group of officials will not repeat a similar error in the future.”
Everton are next in action on Wednesday night (26 February) when they make the trip to London to take on Thomas Frank’s Brentford.