World Cup Referee Howard Webb Under Fire

It took just minutes after referee Howard Webb blew the final whistle for the harsh criticism of the World Cup 2010 final to begin.  

As Spain celebrated their victory, the Netherlands angrily took out their frustration on Webb. Webb has come under fire from both Spanish and Dutch Football Associations, with Spain saying Webb was not strict enough on their opponents and Netherlands arguing that he was harsher with them than on Spain.

Webb has been crucified by fans and media from around of the globe for his performance in Sunday’s World Cup final. Calls for his dismissal and resignation have run rampant.

Spanish newspaper Marca wrote, “Webb is a narcissist who needs a quota of protagonism which doesn’t correspond to him, a bad referee yesterday and almost always.”

Dutch paper AD Sportwereld wrote, “The Dutch national team perished in the World Cup final - thanks largely to a chump of a referee.”

Webb’s total of 14 yellow cards was a record for a World Cup final, including the red shown to Netherlands defender Johnny Heitinga in extra-time.

But not everyone has been critical of Webb’s actions. In an interview with CNN International former English Premier League referee Jeff Winter praised Webb’s performance in extremely testing circumstances.

“I thought he had a superb game,” Winter told CNN. “I find it very difficult to remember a more testing game than that at any level. I thought the players’ behavior and discipline were abysmal.”

FIFA President Sepp Blatter told BBC television Webb had a very hard task in controlling Spain’s World Cup final win over Netherlands.

“It's not up to me judge the performances of the officials. I can only say it was a very hard task that the referee trio had on the field of play. It was really not easy and they were not helped in this task.”

Ironically, just 24 hours before the historic game during an interview with FIFA.com, Webb was asked how it felt to follow in the footsteps of Jack Taylor, the last English referee of a FIFA World Cup Final 36 years ago.

“It is a really special honour,” replied Webb. “Only 19 men have refereed this game, so we feel very privileged to join this exclusive band.”

Webb was booed as he and his assistants Darren Cann and Mike Mullarkey received their medals after the game. Webb may rethink the privilege of such occasions now.