X FILE
Carragher deletes tweet about Howard Webb after ref chief is spotted on phone during Arsenal star Saliba’s red card VAR
Cameras panned to Webb who jumped on his phone as the VAR check was ongoing
JAMIE CARRAGHER quickly deleted a tweet about Howard Webb after William Saliba was shown a red card in Arsenal's game against Bournemouth.
The incident happened in the first half when a misplaced pass by Leandro Trossard put William Saliba in trouble.
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The ball ran through to Evanilson, near the halfway line, who was ready to race on to it.
But, the French defender was seen pulling the arm of the Brazilian who took a tumble.
Initially, referee Rob Jones gave a yellow card to Saliba, before a VAR check invited the official to look at the incident on a screen.
As the VAR check was ongoing, cameras zoomed in on Webb who was watching the game from the stands.
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The ex-ref was seen on his phone as the VAR Jared Gillett analysed the incident.
Following a review, Saliba's card was changed from a yellow to a red by Jones.
The moment prompted Sky Sports pundit to take to X to reveal his thoughts.
Carragher wrote: "Was Howard Webb involved in the decision making of the red card of Saliba??"
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However, the football expert soon retracted his comment by deleting his tweet.
As for Webb, he is simply listening to the comms from the match officials - the on-field team and when the VAR team engage with them.
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The audio between VAR and on-field officials is the same that all broadcasters can listen to.
He has absolutely no input or option to talk to any of the officials, as per standard protocol when management / coaches attend matches.
It means Saliba will be banned for only ONE game.
That's because it was not for violent conduct, which means a three-match suspension.
Some fans suggested Evanilson had been offside.
But one posted: "No, the referee made the correct call after the VAR review to send off Saliba after taking down Evanilson, last man and had a clear run towards goal.
"For anyone questioning an 'offside', Trossard played the ball in this scenario."
The out-of-sort Gunners were beaten 2-0 at the Vitality stadium.
A well worked corner routine found Ryan Christie in the box who side footed home.
Justin Kluivert's penalty sealed a famous victory.