PGMOL chief Howard Webb and pundit Michael Owen. Everton
Credit: Imago
Evan Lloyd
Wed 3 September 2025 11:40, UK
Everton have enjoyed a strong start to the season, but it could have been even better if not for a penalty decision.
Leeds United beat Everton 1-0 on the opening weekend, with Lukas Nmecha converting from the spot in the closing minutes.
Chris Kavanagh gave a penalty after James Tarkowski was adjudged to have handled the ball, but the incident proved hugely controversial.
Everton fan Tony Bellew blasted the referee’s decision after David Moyes had expressed his frustration at the penalty being awarded.
And Alan Shearer slammed the handball rule that led to the decision, describing the situation as a “shambles.”
David Moyes looking concerned at Everton
Credit: Imago
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Howard Webb surprised by Everton controversy
Everton minor shareholder Mike Parry was among those to bash Kavanagh’s penalty decision, but PGMOL head Howard Webb was surprised by the controversy surrounding the incident.
Speaking on Match Officials Mic’d Up on Tuesday 2 September, Webb said: “I know that there was quite a bit of debate about this one, that debate surprised me, honestly speaking.
“I see this as a very clear handball penalty – when a player leans into the path of the ball and blocks the ball with their arm, that is a penalty kick.”
He continued: “If he gets past his arm and stops it with his chest, no problem, but he doesn’t, he brings his arm into the path of the ball, blocks it with the arm, and that’s a very clear penalty kick and a good spot on-field by the officials.”
"The linesman gave it apparently. He was 45 yards away and I don't understand how can he see what I've done with my arm from the angle"
James Tarkowski says it was a 'bizarre' decision to award a penalty against him 🧐 pic.twitter.com/0p7NIzxTbN
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) August 18, 2025
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Michael Owen fails to ask important question
Michael Owen is always present as Webb often defends his referees’ decisions, going to great lengths to explain even the most controversial incidents.
One would assume the pundit would be there to challenge the PGMOL head, prompting him to answer difficult decisions and hold his officials under proper scrutiny.
But Owen does rather the opposite, serving more as a tool for Webb to repeat the same point he has already explained.
VAR Errors Season
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31 2023/24
According to the KMI panel
As the two ‘analysed’ the Tarkowski incident, neither man thought to ask an important question – Where else can the defender’s arm be?
The Everton man makes a natural lunge to try to block a shot on goal, and, really, does everything he possibly could to take his arm out of the equation by tucking it, almost entirely, behind his back.
Owen’s failure to point that out would further suit the thinking that such videos, branded as explainers for Premier League fans, are rather tools for Webb to make sure his officials avoid as much scrutiny as possible.
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