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Howard Webb to discuss VAR calls with ex-Liverpool star amid David Coote controversy

andrew beasley
·2-min read
Howard Webb and PGMOL are reacting to the David Coote controversy
-Credit: (Image: Photo by Michael Regan - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)


The PGMOL, the body responsible for refereeing in the Premier League, has tried to make referees’ decision making more transparent.

Part of this involves chief refereeing officer Howard Webb discussing controversial incidents with former Liverpool striker Michael Owen on Sky Sports. The third episode of their 'Match Officials Mic’d Up' show in 2023/24 is due to air on Tuesday. However, it is unclear whether the programme will be aired in the aftermath of the controversy surrounding Premier League referee David Coote.

A video emerged on social media on Monday which appeared to show the 42-year-old official making derogatory and offensive comments about Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp. He has been suspended pending a full investigation into the matter. What this means for the Owen and Webb show remains to be seen.

Liverpool has featured on the programme in the past, thanks to being on the wrong end of the most egregious refereeing mistake of the VAR era. At Tottenham Hotspur last season, Luis Díaz was given offside on field after scoring a goal, and even though a video review proved he was onside, the incorrect decision was not overturned.

While the latest issue relating to Coote occurred very much off field, he has been involved in multiple controversial incidents regarding Liverpool too. He failed to award what looked a clear penalty after Andy Robertson was brought down in the box in the first Reds match he refereed. The Scot gave Coote an expletive-fuelled rant for his trouble after the game, a 1-1 draw with Burnley in 2020.

A few months later, Coote was on VAR duty when Liverpool drew 2-2 with Everton at Goodison Park. The game is best remembered for Jordan Pickford’s foul on Virgil van Dijk, which brought his season to a very premature conclusion. Klopp was livid, accusing Coote of forgetting the rules.

He then failed to award a penalty to Liverpool from Stockley Park in last season’s 1-1 draw with Arsenal, even though it was clear that Martin Odegaard controlled the ball with his hand in the box. Controversy follows the Reds around when Coote is involved.

With their Premier League Match Centre account on X, the PGMOL is trying to make the rationale behind refereeing calls clearer to supporters. The same is true of the TV show, but whether that is screened this week or not, Webb has some very difficult questions to answer when it comes to the conduct of Coote.