Howard Webb says VAR call against Nottingham Forest that angered Oliver Glasner was right | OneFootball

Howard Webb says VAR call against Nottingham Forest that angered Oliver Glasner was right | OneFootball

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·16 September 2026

Howard Webb says VAR call against Nottingham Forest that angered Oliver Glasner was right

Article image:Howard Webb says VAR call against Nottingham Forest that angered Oliver Glasner was right

Howard Webb has defended the VAR decision that chalked off Neco Williams’ goal against Tottenham, calling it absolutely right but harsh amid anger from Oliver Glasner and the defender.

As reported by Nottingham Post, Williams forced the ball over the line after a Morgan Gibbs-White effort spun off Antonin Kinsky. Craig Pawson initially awarded the goal, then VAR ruled handball in the 0-0 draw earlier this month.


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Speaking on Match Officials Mic’d Up, the Pro Ref chief refereeing officer said the attacker handball law makes such incidents matters of fact rather than clear and obvious judgments. He said VAR identified the ball striking Williams’ right arm before it crossed the line, with sleeve movement visible, so the officials had no choice but to disallow the goal.

Williams maintained post-match that the ball did not touch his arm and that replays were inconclusive, insisting he headed it between his arms. He argued VAR should intervene only for clear and obvious errors.

Glasner said Forest felt they had dropped two points and that the goal should have stood. He argued the intervention did not meet the clear and obvious threshold and that VAR ought to have stuck with the on-field decision.

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”

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