‘How can you get this so wrong?’ – Ex-PGMOL boss: Howard Webb must address Chris Kavanagh red flags after Liverpool controversy
Howard Webb must hold talks with Chris Kavanagh after the referee was involved in yet more controversy during Crystal Palace versus Liverpool.
That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that the official needs further training after allowing Federico Chiesa‘s goal to stand on Saturday, 27 September.
VAR checked for a handball offence from Mohamed Salah, but after a lengthy review, it was deemed that there was not sufficient evidence to rule out the goal, something which has been widely debated in Palace’s 2-1 win.
The equaliser came in the 87th minute at Selhurst Park, cancelling out Ismaila Sarr‘s early opener, but Oliver Glasner‘s side kept fighting until the end, with Eddie Nketiah scoring the winner in the seventh minute of added time.
Chris Kavanagh’s poor run of form continues in 2025-26
Sadly, this is not the first incident that has raised questions over Kavanagh as a referee this season, with multiple wrong decisions being made with him in charge on the pitch.
Kavanagh missed an incident between Newcastle United and Wolves, with Harvey Barnes being dragged down by last-man Yerson Mosquera, but not even a free-kick was awarded at St James’ Park.
He was also involved in the fiery game between Fulham and Man United, where several penalty decisions were debated, and Rodrigo Muniz‘s own goal was allowed to stand controversially despite a push from Leny Yoro.
The referee continues to come under the spotlight, which should never be his intention, leaving Webb with issues to address ahead of the next round of Premier League fixtures.
Howard Webb is unlikely to punish Kavanagh over Mohamed Salah controversy
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider about a potential punishment for Kavanagh, the former referee said: “I don’t think he will [take action]. This is about coaching, not necessarily about punishment or sanctions.
“This is about getting referees in a room with a series of video clips. Howard Webb needs to get him to talk through what he saw during the incident. He may well say, ‘I don’t think there is contact. I don’t think Salah made contact’.
“For me, on the evidence that’s in front of me, what’s his arm doing up there if he’s not searching for contact? I’d probably get VAR in the same room. How can you get this so wrong?
“Clearly, he needs some more training, and he needs some operational advice. It’s no different to how you run a business, because the PGMOL is a business. I want to know why the decision wasn’t given, but I think it’s more of a Christmas Club attitude – ‘We’re never wrong’.
“There’s a fundamental issue with the business, the £40million-a-year business, is operated and how its employees are not delivering the quality of performances you would expect at the elite level.
“The level of accountability is in line with the requirements of an elite athlete. Something isn’t quite right.”