{
  "id": 7774021,
  "title": "‘Really good call’ – Howard Webb stands over big VAR decision from recent Liverpool fixture",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/16/really-good-call-howard-webb-stands-over-big-var-decision-from-recent",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-16T11:25:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/really-good-call-howard-webb-112500201.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Howard Webb defended a crucial refereeing call from Liverpool's opening Premier League match against Newcastle. In the final minutes of the 2-2 draw, a penalty was awarded to Liverpool after Lewis Hall fouled Victor Munoz. Despite protests from Newcastle, the VAR upheld the on-field decision, with both Gary Neville and Steve Nicol agreeing. Webb praised the decision, stating it demonstrated the officials' focus and professionalism in the last minute of added time. Newcastle fans were angered by the ruling, and head coach Matthias Jaissle disagreed, claiming Hall was fouled too easily. The decision contrasted with a later incident involving Newcastle's Alisson Becker, which the KMI Panel ruled as incorrect due to it being a clear and obvious error, but without VAR intervention. Webb remains open to discussing controversial calls throughout the season.",
  "summary": "Howard Webb has stood over a crucial refereeing decision from one of Liverpool’s fixtures in the early weeks of this season.The Reds’ Premier League campaign began with a 2-2 draw at Newcastle, wi...",
  "key_points": [
    "Howard Webb defended crucial VAR decision in Liverpool vs Newcastle match.",
    "Penalty awarded to Liverpool for Lewis Hall's foul on Victor Munoz.",
    "Webb praised decision, highlighting officials' focus and professionalism."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}