Verified Evidence: resolved · Fact Lock: locked · QA: pass
Howard Webb has defended the decision not to send off Newcastle United defender Sven Botman for his challenge on Aston Villa striker Nicolas Jackson.

Webb described the challenge as a “high-end reckless challenge” but backed the VAR decision not to intervene to recommend a red card for Botman.

According to Sky Sports, Webb said there was nothing “clearly wrong” with the decision not to send Botman off. Sky Sports also reported that pundits had called for the Newcastle defender to receive a red card.

The supplied reports establish Webb’s defence of the officiating decision and the description of the challenge, but they do not identify the match date, venue, referee or VAR official involved.

SOURCES

  1. Sky SportsWebb backs Botman decision despite pundits' calls for red card
  2. Yahoo SportsWebb backs VAR over Botman challenge on Jackson
  3. BBC NewsWebb backs VAR over Botman challenge on Jackson