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VAR Mistakes: Howard Webb Calls Meeting To Discuss Errors in Premier League
Howard Webb, chief of referees’ body PGMOL, has called a meeting for Premier League referees to discuss mistakes in the use of VAR this weekend.
The former World Cup final referee has already rung Arsenal and Brighton to explain errors in their games.
VAR operator Lee Mason did not draw the guidelines to check for offside on Brentford’s equaliser against Arsenal.
Brighton had a goal disallowed for offside against Crystal Palace after the VAR guidelines were wrongly drawn.
During Arsenal’s 1-1 draw with Brentford, Ivan Toney’s 74th-minute goal was the subject of a VAR check by Mason following Ethan Pinnock’s challenge on Gunners defender Gabriel.
That incident was cleared but there was a suggestion Christian Norgaard was offside in the build-up.
However, Mason, who has moved on to dedicated VAR duties, did not use the system’s lines to check Norgaard’s position relative to Arsenal’s defenders.
In Brighton’s 1-1 draw at Selhurst Park, Pervis Estupinan’s strike on 32 minutes was disallowed after a VAR review deemed the Ecuadorian to be offside.
However, the offside line was wrongly drawn from James Tomkins rather than his fellow Palace defender Marc Guehi, who was stood in a deeper position and playing Estupinan onside.
Webb returned from Major League Soccer at the beginning of December vowing to improve standards in the English game.
However, a positive start has been damaged by the VAR mistakes involving Arsenal and Brighton, leading to a public acknowledgement of “human error”.
It is understood all officials, with the exception of those on European duty this week, have been asked to attend the meeting.
Webb will use the meeting to discuss the issues that lay behind the mistakes and reiterate to officials that similar mistakes cannot be made if managers and players are to retain trust in the system.
John Brooks, the VAR operator whose mistake at Selhurst Park cost Brighton an opening goal, is due to be working VAR for tonight’s Merseyside derby and Wednesday’s crucial Premier League game between Arsenal and Manchester City.
Appointments for next weekend’s fixtures are set to be confirmed on Tuesday.
What else happened?
Chelsea were denied a late penalty against West Ham, despite Tomas Soucek appearing to block Conor Gallagher’s shot with his arm.
Referee Craig Pawson waved play on after Gallagher’s 89th-minute shot clearly struck Soucek’s hand, with VAR making no decision on the incident.
Wolves had Mario Lemina sent off when he picked up a second booking after 27 minutes in their 2-1 win against Southampton.
Asked what referee Jarred Gillett had told him about the reason behind Lemina’s second yellow card, Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves told BBC Sport: “You really want to know what he said to me?
“He told me there were two players running to him and because Mario was the third one, he gave him a yellow card.”
Former Premier League referee Keith Hackett said he believes referees are “over-relying” on VAR.
“You cannot make the errors that we saw yesterday. Without VAR I think assistant referees, in those situations, would have raised the flag and given offside,” he told BBC Radio 5 Live.
“The assistant referees are in doubt because, in a sense, our referees are over-relying on VAR, and VAR itself is not delivering the accuracy.
“That is the process that’s clearly not working and it is the lack of communication with the fans that we’re all crying out for that is not being delivered.
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Fitness meets cultural expression as GOOD SWEAT prepares to bring its CULTURE RUN experience to Lagos on Saturday, October 31, 2026.
Designed around the connection between physical wellness and cultural identity, CULTURE RUN offers participants an opportunity to embrace an active lifestyle while celebrating the richness of African culture. The event brings together fitness enthusiasts, culture lovers, and individuals looking for a refreshing way to connect through movement and shared experiences.
The run is scheduled to begin at 4:30 PM, setting the stage for an evening that extends beyond fitness. At 6:00 PM, participants can look forward to the CULTURE PARTY, the event’s post-run celebration.
Adding to the experience is a distinctive dress code that encourages attendees to wear their regular running kits with a touch of cultural wear. This creative blend of athletic apparel and traditional-inspired fashion gives participants an opportunity to express their individuality while celebrating their cultural roots.
The event will take place at Bistrot Samantha’s, located at 7/12 Rumen’s Road, Ikoyi, Lagos.
With its combination of fitness, fashion, culture, and social interaction, CULTURE RUN aims to create an experience that extends beyond the running track, bringing people together through a shared appreciation for wellness and cultural expression.
As Lagos continues to embrace lifestyle experiences that combine fitness with social engagement, CULTURE RUN offers an opportunity for participants to stay active, celebrate their heritage, and connect with like-minded individuals in a vibrant setting.
EVENT DETAILS
Event: CULTURE RUN
Presented by: GOOD SWEAT
Date: Saturday, October 31, 2026
Run Time: 4:30 PM
Post-Run Party: 6:00 PM
Dress Code: Running kit with a touch of cultural wear
Venue: Bistrot Samantha’s
Address: 7/12 Rumen’s Road, Ikoyi, Lagos, Nigeria
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