RabiuPGMOL Chief Howard Webb Criticizes Maxence Lacroix Red Card and Penalty Decision in Man Utd ClashIn a candid post-match analysis following Crystal Palace’s 2-1 defeat to Manchester United at Old Trafford on March 1, 2026, PGMOL chief Howard Webb has expressed strong reservations about the red card shown to Palace defender Maxence Lacroix and the subsequent penalty award. Webb’s comments came after the full disclosure of the VAR transcript, highlighting what he described as a significant error by referee Chris Kavanagh.
The incident occurred in the 56th minute, with Palace leading 1-0 thanks to Lacroix’s early header from Brennan Johnson’s corner. Manchester United’s Matheus Cunha broke through on goal, and Lacroix appeared to pull him back. Initial contact began just outside the penalty area but continued inside, prompting Kavanagh to point to the spot after a lengthy VAR review by assistant Peter Bankes. Lacroix was dismissed for denying a clear goal-scoring opportunity, and Bruno Fernandes converted the penalty to equalize. Benjamin Sesko later scored the winner for United in the 65th minute, sealing a comeback victory for the hosts.
Speaking on the latest episode of *Match Officials Mic’d Up*, Webb revealed the VAR audio, which captured the officials’ deliberations. In the transcript, Kavanagh is heard saying, “Contact starts outside, but he’s still holding him in the box. That’s a pen and red.” VAR Bankes concurs: “Agreed, it’s sustained contact, denying the opportunity.” However, Webb argued that the decision was flawed. “This wasn’t worth a red card,” Webb stated. “The foul began outside the area, and the continuation wasn’t sufficient to warrant a penalty. It should have been a free-kick and perhaps a yellow at most. Chris Kavanagh misjudged the severity on-field, and VAR failed to correct it properly. We’re frustrated because this altered the game’s outcome unfairly.”
Webb emphasized that while denying a goal-scoring chance typically merits a red, the context here—minimal force and Cunha’s potential to stay on his feet—did not meet the threshold. He blamed Kavanagh for not reassessing via the pitchside monitor, calling it a “clear oversight” that disadvantaged Palace, who played over 30 minutes with 10 men.
Palace manager Oliver Glasner echoed Webb’s sentiments in his press conference, labeling the call “harsh and game-changing.” The result leaves United climbing the table under Michael Carrick, while Palace rue what could have been a famous win. Webb promised internal reviews to prevent similar errors, underscoring the need for clearer guidelines on sustained fouls.
This disclosure adds to ongoing debates about VAR consistency in the Premier League, with fans and pundits divided on the call’s validity.
Bangerboy
Rabiu