Howard Webb explains why VAR “couldn’t” overrule controversial Sesko strike vs Liverpool

Manchester United found themselves at the centre of VAR confusion recently when, during their 3-2 victory against Liverpool earlier this month, Benjamin Sesko scored a controversial goal. Sesko bundled home after Freddie Woodman deflected Bruno Fernandes‘ headed pass – though he was not awarded the assist – onto his body, knocking the ball into the net without knowing much about it. A VAR review took place at the time, checking to see whether the ball touched Sesko’s hand on the way in, but, much to the frustration of Liverpool fans, the goal was eventually allowed to stand. Now, however, an official explanation has been provided as to why the goal stood, given by the chief refereeing officer, Howard Webb. A key fixture The fierce local derby is always a key fixture for fans of both clubs, but on this occasion there was far more at stake than just bragging rights. The match was vital in the race for the Champions League places, with Kobbie Mainoo’s emphatic strike securing a return to the elite competition for United. The Red Devils got off to the perfect start in the game, finding themselves 2-0 up early in the first half thanks to Matheus Cunha’s deflected strike and Sesko’s tap-in. Unfortunately, United did not come out for the second half with the same intensity they displayed in the first and soon found themselves drawing the game, thanks to goals from Dominik Szoboszlai and Cody Gakpo. However, Mainoo had the final word and celebrated his new contract with a match-winning strike, leaving Liverpool fans to seethe over Sesko’s goal that they felt certain should have been disallowed. No clear evidence Webb appeared on the latest instalment of Match Officials Mic’d Up to discuss a series of controversial decisions made over the last few weeks. Among these was the decision to allow Sesko’s goal against Liverpool. “The clip speaks for itself. I think it probably does hit the hand,” said Webb. “But of course, the VAR need that conclusivity. They need to be absolutely certain that it does.” “It doesn’t matter what we think, it’s what they think. We do ask them to be sure that something needs acting on.” “Certainly Sesko doesn’t deliberately handle this, he doesn’t make himself big. It’s all very natural. But of course, the laws of the game require any goal that comes off the hand from the player who scores immediately, the goal needs to be disallowed. That means the VAR has no option but to start looking for that.” “Sometimes it looks like they’re being too forensic and you hear the VAR looking from various angles. They want to get it right, if it does conclusively come off the arm. But they don’t get to that level of certainty.” “They probably think it does [come off the hand] as well but they need to be absolutely categorical to get involved. They couldn’t find it. That’s why the on-field decision stood.” Regardless of whether it was the right decision or not, United fans certainly will not be complaining about yet another victory over their fierce rivals. Featured image by Michael Regan/Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Mike Walsh Mike Walsh is an experienced freelance journalist who has written about a variety of topics over multiple years. He is very happy to finally be writing about the Red Devils, especially now that his favourite player, Michael Carrick, is in charge of the team.