Fans blast Howard Webb’s explanation over the failure to send Mateo Kovacic off during Arsenal vs Man City

PGMOL technical director Howard Webb has been heavily criticised after he explained why Mateo Kovacic escaped a red card during Arsenal’s clash against Manchester City.

On Sunday, the Gunners recorded a crucial 1-0 victory over City at the Emirates Stadium thanks to a late goal from Gabriel Martinelli.

During a tightly contested first half, Arsenal were left fuming after City midfielder Kovacic escaped a red card.

The Croatian was booked for a heavy challenge on Martin Odegaard, which could have easily been given as a red.

Minutes later, Kovacic caught Declan Rice and referee Michael Oliver decided not to brandish a second yellow card.

Explaining the decision on the PGMOL’s Match Officials Mic’d Up programme, Webb said: “Second yellows are something the VAR is not able to get involved in.

“But he was extremely fortunate to stay on the field. (Oliver) doesn't want to have a negative impact on the game by overreacting to something… but it is also true that if you under-react you have a negative impact.”

He continued: “He will realise the second one should have been a yellow card, which would have seen Kovacic sent off.”

Fans were quick to show their discontent over Webb’s explanation on social media.

One said: “So refs don’t wanna lay the law down to impact a game negatively, what? SACK HOWARD WEBB IMMEDIATELY.”

Another tweeted: “Same ref sent off Martinelli for 2 shoves in the space of 10 seconds last season too.”

🗣 "[Michael Oliver] doesn't want to have a negative impact on the game by overreacting."

PGMOL chief Howard Webb admits Manchester City's Mateo Kovačić was "extremely fortunate" not to be sent off against Arsenal 🟥 pic.twitter.com/nrSjokPGHE

— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) October 10, 2023

A third fan added: “He doesn’t want to over react? Whats the point in being a ref if you aren’t going to give a red card for a red card offence??”

Someone else wrote: “The fact that Howard Webb is trying to justify the reason why Mateo Kovacic didn’t get a red card for that horrific tackle on odegaard is sickening and ridiculous.”

Whilst a fifth commented: “Doesn't want to have a negative impact on the game by overreacting." Lol seriously are you kidding me?”

SPORTbible are on WhatsApp! We've launched a dedicated news channel to send you the latest news, features and plenty more directly on WhatsApp and all you need to do to sign up is click through to our one-way broadcast channel here for 'SPORTbible News' to appear in the 'Updates' tab on your WhatsApp.