Howard Webb is regarded as one of the finest referees in the world. He has recently been awarded the status to referee high-profile matches like the World Cup final and the Champions league final.
However, he has proven in the recent West Brom vs Stoke City match that even he may be prone to some errors. West Brom made the trip to the Britannia stadium looking to continue the good run of form that has seen them take points off clubs like Manchester United and Arsenal in recent weeks. They could only take a point away from the Britannia stadium after the 0-0 draw.
However, this match could have easily seen a winner had it not been for the numerous misses from Stephane Sessegnon when put through in front of goal. West Brom could also easily have heard a penalty after Charlie Adam brought down Youssouf Mulumbu in the box. It was a clear penalty, but referee Webb waved away the appeal from the away side. After the match, though, Webb has seen the replays and he has accepted that it was a penalty after all. He has issued an apology for West Brom for his decision that has cost them three points and the chance to maintain their position in the top half of the table.
“The word for the penalty appeal is stonewall. How the officials missed it is beyond belief. Sometimes you get them and sometimes you don’t. If Youssouf wanted to con the ref he would have gone down on the first push. Charlie Adam ran down the back of his foot and took his boot off. But we also had some terrific, clear chances – at least three. Their keeper was probably man of the match which tells you about the game,” said West Brom manager Clarke after the match.
