Howard Webb says accidental handball law ‘a nonsense’ and calls for reform

Webb said the VAR official in the Manchester United v Manchester City game had 'tunnel vision'

Harry Maguire handled the ball and then scored via a deflection against Ipswich, meaning his goal stood. Pic: Paul ELLIS / AFP via Getty Images

Howard Webb has described the law around accidental handball as “a bit of a nonsense” and called for its reform to stop referees being drawn into “ridiculous situations”.

The chief refereeing officer for English football made his remarks on Tuesday, when he also fronted up over the error that allowed Manchester City to win Sunday’s Manchester derby. Webb said he was “really disappointed” with the video assistant referee call that failed to spot Enzo Fernández interfering with play from an offside position before Erling Haaland scored the only goal.