Derby Dilemma: Webb Keeps Dalot Yellow, Sparks VAR Debate
20 January 2026
Derby moment and the decision
Howard Webb, head of the Premier League referees, said the decision not to escalate to a red card for Diogo Dalot in the Manchester Derby was the correct call.
Pep Guardiola and City players argued that the Portuguese defender should have been sent off for an early contact with Jérémy Doku during the derby, a match City lost 2-0.
In a discussion on the latest episode of Match Officials Mic’d Up, Webb explained that VAR official Craig Pawson was right not to urge on-field referee Anthony Taylor to review the decision, which otherwise would have shown only a yellow on the sideline screen.
Webb on VAR and gray areas
The 54-year-old conceded the decision divided opinions, but noted the immediate on-pitch reactions from City players suggested the call was the right one.
Webb told The Sun there was not a big reaction on the pitch to the incident.
He added that VAR’s job is to determine whether the on-field yellow card was clearly wrong.
Many situations live in a gray area where several factors overlap, and this is one of them.
The clash involved contact at the knee, but speed and force must also be considered; red cards in the Premier League are rare when those elements aren’t present.
He noted the foot touched the knee, but there was no obvious acceleration or intensity.
Webb finished by saying the call was subjective, and he does not believe the force used was excessive, so he supports keeping the decision on the field without intervention from the assistant.
Punchline: In football, if the replay needs a replay, you might as well bring popcorn.
Punchline 2: VAR is great—when it finally decides to show up for a lunch break.
