Howard Webb to discuss VAR calls with ex-Liverpool star amid David Coote controversy

The PGMOL, , has tried to make referees’ decision making more transparent.

Part of this involves chief refereeing officer Howard Webb discussing controversial incidents with former Liverpool striker Michael Owen on Sky Sports. The third episode of their 'Match Officials Mic’d Up' show in 2023/24 is due to air on Tuesday. However, it is unclear whether the programme will be aired in the aftermath of the controversy surrounding referee David Coote.

A video emerged on social media on Monday which appeared to show about and . He has been . What this means for the and Webb show remains to be seen.

Liverpool has featured on the programme in the past, thanks to being on the wrong end of the most egregious refereeing mistake of the VAR era. At , was given offside on field after scoring a goal, and even though a video review proved he was onside, .

While the latest issue relating to Coote occurred very much off field, he has been involved in multiple controversial incidents regarding Liverpool too. He failed to award what looked a clear penalty after Andy Robertson was brought down in the box in the first Reds match he refereed. The Scot after the game, a 1-1 draw with Burnley in 2020.

A few months later, Coote was on VAR duty when Liverpool drew 2-2 with Everton at Goodison Park. The game is best remembered for Jordan Pickford’s foul on Virgil van Dijk, which brought his season to a very premature conclusion. Klopp was livid, .

He then failed to award a penalty to Liverpool from Stockley Park in last season’s 1-1 draw with Arsenal, even though it was clear that Martin Odegaard controlled the ball with his hand in the box. Controversy follows the Reds around when Coote is involved.

With their Premier League Match Centre account on X, the PGMOL is trying to make the rationale behind refereeing calls clearer to supporters. The same is true of the TV show, but whether that is screened this week or not, Webb has some very difficult questions to answer when it comes to the conduct of Coote.