‘How can you get this so wrong?’ – Ex-PGMOL boss: Howard Webb must address Chris Kavanagh red flags after Liverpool controversy…

‘How could you possibly get this so wrong?’ – Former PGMOL chief: Howard Webb needs to discuss Chris Kavanagh’s red flags following the Liverpool incident.

Howard Webb is required to have discussions with Chris Kavanagh after the referee found himself embroiled in yet another controversy during the match between Crystal Palace and Liverpool.

This statement comes from Keith Hackett, the former PGMOL head and ex-FIFA referee, who exclusively informed Football Insider that the official requires additional training after permitting Federico Chiesa’s goal to count on Saturday, September 27.

VAR reviewed a potential handball by Mohamed Salah, but after an extensive examination, it was concluded that there was insufficient evidence to disallow the goal, a decision that has sparked considerable debate following Palace’s 2-1 victory.

The equalizing goal was scored in the 87th minute at Selhurst Park, leveling the score after Ismaila Sarr’s early goal, but Oliver Glasner’s team continued to battle until the final whistle, with Eddie Nketiah netting the winner in the seventh minute of stoppage time.

Chris Kavanagh’s disappointing performance persists in the 2025-26 season.

Regrettably, this is not the first time Kavanagh’s officiating has come under scrutiny this season, as he has made several incorrect calls while officiating matches.

Kavanagh overlooked a critical moment in the game between Newcastle United and Wolves, where Harvey Barnes was fouled by last defender Yerson Mosquera, yet no free-kick was awarded at St James’ Park.

He was also part of the heated match between Fulham and Manchester United, where numerous penalty calls were contested, and Rodrigo Muniz’s own goal was controversially allowed despite a push from Leny Yoro.

The referee remains in the spotlight, which should never be his goal, leaving Webb with matters to resolve before the upcoming Premier League matches.

Howard Webb is unlikely to take disciplinary action against Kavanagh regarding the Mohamed Salah incident.

In an exclusive interview with Football Insider regarding a possible sanction for Kavanagh, the former referee remarked: “I don’t believe he will [take action]. This situation pertains to coaching rather than punishment or sanctions.

“It involves bringing referees together in a room to review a series of video clips. Howard Webb needs to facilitate a discussion with him about what he observed during the incident. He might very well assert, ‘I don’t believe there is contact. I don’t think Salah made contact’.

“From my perspective, based on the evidence available, what is his arm doing up there if he isn’t looking for contact? I would likely involve VAR in the same discussion. How can such a significant error occur?

“Clearly, he requires additional training and operational guidance. This is akin to managing a business, as the PGMOL operates as a business. I am curious about the rationale behind the decision not being made, but it seems to reflect a ‘Christmas Club’ mentality – ‘We’re never wrong’.

“There exists a fundamental problem with how the £40 million-a-year business is managed and how its staff are failing to deliver the high-quality performances expected at the elite level.

“The level of accountability should match that of elite athletes. Something is amiss.”