Sky Sports have dismissed claims PGMOL chief Howard Webb played a role in the decision to send off William Saliba during Arsenal’s defeat to Bournemouth.
Saliba was shown a red card after tangling up with Evanilson and bringing the Bournemouth striker down as he went to race through on goal.
Referee Robert Jones initially showed Saliba a yellow card but was advised to consult the pitchside monitor by the Video Assistant Referee and proceeded to upgrade the yellow to a red.
Arsenal felt aggrieved by the decision as the incident occurred just inside their half but former Gunner Theo Walcott and ex-England midfielder Jamie Redknapp both believe a red was the correct decision.
Many Arsenal fans also questioned if Webb influenced the decision from the stands as the referee chief was seen texting and talking on his phone as VAR checked the incident.
After Bournemouth’s 2-0 win, Sky Sports presenter David Jones said Webb was listening to the officials communicate but had ‘no input’ into the decision.
‘What we understand is he’s listening to a match feed of the VAR officials and their communication with the on-field officials, just as we do as broadcasters,’ Jones said.
‘He has no input, no ability to talk to the officials. Just to clear that up for you.’
Sky Sports pundit Redknapp added: ‘He’s just watching the game. To have the audacity or the ego to influence the game, it’s nonsense for anyone to question that.
‘He’s just listening to the audio. Why would he even dream of getting involved?’
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