Howard Webb urged to take action against Andy Madley following controversial Liverpool vs Arsenal clash
Pro Ref chief executive Howard Webb is facing calls to take decisive action following several contentious refereeing decisions during Liverpool’s 1-0 defeat to Arsenal at Anfield on Sunday.
The match was overshadowed by a number of controversial incidents, most notably Liverpool being denied what appeared to be a clear penalty after Jurrien Timber pulled Andoni Iraola’s shirt inside the penalty area. Another talking point involved Alexis Mac Allister going down dramatically following minimal contact with Noni Madueke.
Liverpool supporters were furious with referee Andy Madley, making their feelings known as the official walked off the pitch after the final whistle. Now, a former Premier League referee believes the 43-year-old should face consequences for his performance.
Keith Hackett wants Madley dropped from Premier League duty
Former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett has questioned why Madley was selected for such a high-profile fixture, particularly given his recent performances.
Hackett believes the referee should be left out of next weekend’s Premier League appointments as a consequence of his display at Anfield.
Speaking to Football Insider, he said he was surprised by Madley’s appointment, insisting that referees who are currently performing well should be trusted with the biggest matches.
He also suggested that officials who miss out on major fixtures should be encouraged to improve their consistency and overall performances.
Hackett admitted that Madley was far from his best during Sunday’s encounter and questioned whether the referee had demonstrated the level of consistency expected at the highest level.
Penalty controversy puts Madley and VAR under scrutiny
Madley’s appointment had already attracted attention before kick-off, with reports highlighting that it was his first Premier League match involving two traditional ‘Big Six’ clubs in more than two years.
However, his performance only intensified the debate surrounding the decision to appoint him.
The biggest controversy came when Liverpool were denied a penalty after Timber appeared to pull Alexander Isak’s shirt inside the box. Neither Madley nor VAR official Stuart Attwell intervened, leaving Liverpool frustrated.
The decision has been widely questioned, with many believing it was a major officiating mistake that could have changed the outcome of the contest.
Had Liverpool been awarded the penalty in the 21st minute and converted it to level the score shortly after Kai Havertz’s goal, the entire momentum of the game could have shifted.
With Howard Webb responsible for maintaining refereeing standards in the Premier League, further questions are now being raised about the quality of officiating.
If Madley is left out of next weekend’s Premier League fixtures, Hackett believes the referee would have little reason to complain after his controversial display at Anfield.
