Premier League refs' chief Howard Webb orders major VAR rule change that could see fewer penalties awarded

Premier League refs' chief Howard Webb has instructed officials to make a major VAR change which could result in less penalties.

A total of 35 penalties have been awarded in the top flight this season, with Arsenal leading the way with six spot-kicks and Chelsea and Manchester City following closely behind with five and four respectively.

But according to The Sun, PGMOL head honcho Webb has been on at officials to ensure that the amount of "soft" penalties given are reduced.

He told those working on VAR to step in the event that they feel the on-field decision is harsh.

The 2010 World Cup final referee is advocating for a higher bar when it comes to offences inside the area and communicated this to the officials during a meeting in Loughborough ahead of the return of Premier League football this weekend.

This was then relayed to representatives from clubs in a shareholders meeting on Tuesday.

Image: Getty

If a penalty call is not deemed to be within the threshold, Webb is supportive of those in Stockley Park overturning the decision.

The 52-year old has attempted to bring about transparency ever since becoming the first chief refereeing officer and has explained a number of controversial and wrong decisions in the 'Match Officials Mic'd Up' programme with Michael Owen.

The show, broadcasted on both Sky Sports and TNT Sports, has seen audio of referees released to give a new level of insight into the VAR process.

Image: Getty

Webb was happy to admit that penalties conceded by Wolves against Newcastle and Sheffield United should not have been awarded.

In a gathering of referees, he also emphasised the need to take a stronger approach against players guilty of dissent or waiving cards.

The rule was announced prior to the 2023/24 change but Webb is keen to see more consistency in the coming weeks in order to improve behaviour amongst players.

Image: Getty

There have been 88 bookings for dissent, with Nicolas Jackson, Lucas Paqueta, and Sean Longstaff all receiving three yellow cards for the offence.

Managers like Erik ten Hag and Marco Silva have also been guilty as they protested decisions.

Topics: Premier League, VAR

Josh Lawless

Josh is a sports journalist who specialises in football and wrestling. He has been published by Curzon Ashton FC, Late Tackle, Manchester City FC, The Mirror, Read Man City and Manchester Evening News. He provides coverage of professional wrestling and has interviewed some of the biggest names in the field - including the first UK interview with The Hardy Boyz after their return to WWE. He has never sported a pair of Lonsdale Slip-ons, contrary to reports.

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