Premier League referees’ chief Howard Webb has defended the decision not to send off Diogo Dalot during Manchester United’s derby win over Manchester City.
Dalot was shown a yellow card in the 11th minute for a high challenge on Jeremy Doku, after his studs made contact with the winger’s knee. VAR reviewed the incident and supported referee Anthony Taylor’s decision, saying the contact was not forceful enough for a red card.
Webb said officials judged the challenge as reckless rather than dangerous and believes slow-motion replays have made the incident look worse than it was.
He explained that referees look at speed, force and intensity in real time, adding that Dalot’s foot came off quickly and lacked the force normally needed for a red card.
Webb said relying on freeze-frames and slow motion can give a distorted view of challenges and insisted a yellow card was an acceptable decision.
