Howard Webb Admits Referee Error in Mbeumo Handball Controversy
Howard Webb, the Professional Game Match Officials (PGMO) chief refereeing officer, acknowledged to Nottingham Forest that referee Michael Salisbury made an incorrect decision not to disallow Matheus Cunha’s goal due to Bryan Mbeumo’s handball during Manchester United’s 3-2 victory on Sunday at Old Trafford. Webb deemed Salisbury's ruling too lenient regarding the Premier League’s handball regulations, which permit some flexibility based on players’ natural movements. However, in Mbeumo’s case, Webb felt that Salisbury misinterpreted the incident as an unintentional handball. When Matt Donohue, the video assistant referee, prompted Salisbury to review the incident from the 55th minute on the pitchside monitor, Webb believed the decision should have been reversed. Donohue assessed that although the ball initially struck Mbeumo’s right thigh before inadvertently hitting his right arm, it was then cradled, enabling him to shoot. The attempt was blocked but ultimately led to Cunha scoring. Webb communicated with Forest to clarify that the referee should have heeded the VAR’s guidance. Former referee Dermot Gallagher stated on Sky Sports News that Mbeumo had gained an advantage by cushioning the ball with his arm, asserting, “It should be disallowed. It’s handball.” Gallagher emphasized that Mbeumo's actions were not accidental and pointed out that the VAR had attempted to guide Salisbury appropriately. Key points from Gallagher’s analysis include: Mbeumo’s arms were out when the play concluded, later retracting his arm to trap the ball. The VAR clearly indicated a potential handball offense, urging the referee to review the play. The decision hinges on whether Mbeumo gained a significant advantage from the handball.
Source: The Guardian Sport - 2026-05-18