Howard Webb Confirms Mbeumo Handball Decision Against Forest Was Wrong

Howard Webb, the Chief Refereeing Officer for the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), has informed Nottingham Forest that the decision to allow Matheus Cunha’s goal, despite a handball by Bryan Mbeumo, was incorrect. The controversial incident took place during Manchester United's 3-2 victory over Forest at Old Trafford on Sunday.

The goal, which significantly impacted the outcome of the match, stemmed from an incident where Mbeumo appeared to handle the ball before Cunha scored. Referee Michael Salisbury was advised by VAR Matt Donohue to review the play on the pitchside monitor, but ultimately upheld his original decision, allowing the goal to stand.

Webb's Admission to Nottingham Forest

Webb communicated directly with Nottingham Forest to acknowledge the error. He judged Salisbury's decision as being too lenient given the Premier League's guidelines on handball. While the rules allow for some leeway regarding natural player movements, Webb felt Salisbury misjudged Mbeumo's action as unintentional. The PGMOL chief indicated that after the VAR's recommendation for a review, the decision should have been overturned.

The 55th-minute incident saw the ball initially strike Mbeumo’s right thigh before moving to his right arm. Crucially, Webb believed Mbeumo then "cradled" the ball, gaining an advantage before shooting. Although Mbeumo's shot was blocked, the ball fell to Cunha, who subsequently scored.

Expert Opinion on the Incident

Former referee Dermot Gallagher, speaking on Sky Sports News, echoed Webb's sentiment, stating that Mbeumo "cushioned the ball with his arm and gained an advantage." Gallagher asserted, "It should be disallowed. It’s handball." He explained that Salisbury might have been influenced by the directive that if the ball comes off the body and then strikes the arm, it can be accidental. However, Gallagher argued that Mbeumo's action was "totally different."

Gallagher further elaborated on the VAR's role, noting that Matt Donohue "tried to guide him [Salisbury] on this. He’s done as much as he can." Donohue's clear communication to Salisbury, stating, "I think there’s a handball offence," and sending him to the screen, indicated a strong recommendation for overturn. Gallagher concluded that Mbeumo's arm came in to trap and cushion the ball, creating a stationary period where the ball was controlled by his body, including his arm.

Implications for Future Refereeing

This admission from Howard Webb highlights ongoing scrutiny of VAR decisions and their application within the Premier League. For Nottingham Forest, the acknowledgement of an incorrect decision will undoubtedly add to frustrations, particularly as the goal directly contributed to their defeat. The incident underscores the complexities of handball interpretations and the debate surrounding referee intervention, even with the aid of technology.

Datos clave

This development is significant for FootballGames10 readers interested in Premier League officiating standards and the impact of VAR on match outcomes. It provides clarity on a controversial decision and offers insight into how PGMOL assesses refereeing performances.

Fuente: The Guardian Football RSS https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/may/18/bryan-mbeumo-handball-decision-howard-webb-manchester-united-nottingham-forest-michael-salibsury