Exclusive: Outrage at Howard Webb moves as Evanilson’s Bournemouth ban scrapped
Keith Hackett has torn into Howard Webb following the drama surrounding Evanilson’s sending-off for Bournemouth.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively indicated to Football Insider that John Brooks and the referee, Peter Bankes, should have been stood down for the next Premier League match-week.
The Brazilian forward was given his marching orders after slipping into a challenge on Noussair Mazraoui, but after Bankes awarded a yellow card, VAR official Brooks advised a pitchside review.
Evanilson’s red card against Man United was slammed by Hackett at the time, and after the FA confirmed that the striker’s three-game ban has been overturned, the former referee was relieved by the decision.
Bankes, however, was supported for his decision not to send Tyler Adams off for a “reckless” challenge on Alejandro Garnacho during the first half at the Vitality Stadium.
Andoni Iraola will have his joint-second highest goalscorer available as the Cherries prepare to face Arsenal on Saturday, 3 May, with a top-half Premier League finish on the cards.
Evanilson red card is rescinded ahead of Arsenal clash
Despite the decision to overturn Evanilson’s red card, Brooks has not been punished for advising a review of the striker’s sending-off, and has instead been given the VAR position for Chelsea versus Liverpool.
Bankes has also been appointed again, taking charge of Man City‘s clash against Wolves.
This has caused outrage as VAR continues to generate controversy, with current PGMOL head Webb now in the firing line from the body’s former boss Hackett.
Howard Webb to blame for poor Premier League officiating
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the entire controversial incident, Hackett reacted after the news on Evanilson’s ban being cancelled:
“I am pleased that the Bournemouth player’s ban was rightly overturned. I am just disappointed that two so-called Premier League elite officials can get what was a simple decision so wrong on the day.
“VAR’s John Brooks has the opportunity to view several replays. These two made such a poor decision, and they are each rewarded by being appointed to games this weekend.
“Howard Webb is frankly not doing the job he is paid for. How can he be happy to appoint these two to games this weekend? The best interest of the game is to stand them down and demonstrate to fans that this level of error is unacceptable.”