Was Howard Webb involved in William Saliba’s controversial red card?

Although he was paying attention to the VAR discussion that resulted in William Saliba's dismissal for Arsenal, Howard Webb had no say in the outcome. During the first half of their Premier League match against Bournemouth that took place at Vitality Stadium, the Gunners were furious when their France international was sent off. Before official Rob Jones was urged to examine the event on a pitch-side monitor, Saliba was first given a yellow card.

PGMOL chairman Webb was captured on camera by Sky Sports sitting in the stands, watching events on the south coast while wearing a cell phone and an earphone. While he was talking to the individual sitting next to him, Jamie Carragher, a former Liverpool defender, questioned on social media before quickly removing the post. He wrote, “Was Howard Webb involved in the decision-making of the red card of Saliba??”

Jones was asked to look again at Saliba's challenge on Bournemouth forward Evanilson by VAR official Jarred Gillett. The Cherries star was hauled back while going clear as he attempted to grab onto a stray pass from Arsenal midfielder Leandro Trossard.

Was Howard Webb involved in the decision of William Saliba’s red card

In a match that Arsenal lost 2-0, Saliba was handed his marching orders after it was determined that he had missed a clear goal-scoring chance when all aspects of the challenge were considered. The Gunners feel that the match officials have made yet another contentious decision against them. This is the third red card that the Gunners have received in the first eight Premier League games. 

The Times claims that Webb was not involved in the decision-making process that angered Arsenal. He was only listening to the exact same VAR feed that Premier League broadcasters have access to while at games, and he was unable to speak with any of the officiating officials. PGMOL noted that every one of their management personnel have access to that audio.