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World Cup 2010: Howard Webb - I'm Thrilled To Have Been Involved In A Wonderful Event
Referee now looking forward to spending time with family.
Jul 13, 2010 4:20:00 PM
By Daniel Sheppard
Premier League referee Howard Webb has claimed his appointment as referee of the World Cup 2010 final, and the subsequent experience gained by taking charge of the event, was an "amazing experience" and has thanked the English media for their support prior to and following the game on Sunday evening.
Webb, 39, endured huge levels of criticism from the international media, especially the Dutch contingent, following his performance during Sunday's final at Soccer City, Johannesburg, a game which saw Spain come away as 1-0 winners after Andres Iniesta's winning goal.
Webb issued 14 yellow cards throughout the game, two of which were directed at Netherlands defender John Heitinga, who was sent off with 11 minutes of extra time remaining, and the Premier League ref was subsequently criticized for his inability to control the game.
"I'm delighted to be home," Webb told Sky Sports News. "It was an amazing experience out there.
"I was thrilled and delighted to be appointed to the final game which turned out to be a tough game but we come home with a real sense of achievement and just pleased to be back home now and looking forward to spending some time with our families and recharging for the challenges of the season ahead.
"I'm thrilled to have been involved in a wonderful event. It was a great experience and I'm glad to be back.
"Thanks for the support of the English people. The English media has been absolutely fantastic and we received a big boost from reading everything that's been written and said in support before the final and after it as well.
"On behalf of myself and my family I'd like to say thank you for that."
The 2010 World Cup is over, but you can re-live it at Goal.com's World Cup homepage and join Goal.com USA's Facebook fan page!
Webb, 39, endured huge levels of criticism from the international media, especially the Dutch contingent, following his performance during Sunday's final at Soccer City, Johannesburg, a game which saw Spain come away as 1-0 winners after Andres Iniesta's winning goal.
Webb issued 14 yellow cards throughout the game, two of which were directed at Netherlands defender John Heitinga, who was sent off with 11 minutes of extra time remaining, and the Premier League ref was subsequently criticized for his inability to control the game.
"I'm delighted to be home," Webb told Sky Sports News. "It was an amazing experience out there.
"I was thrilled and delighted to be appointed to the final game which turned out to be a tough game but we come home with a real sense of achievement and just pleased to be back home now and looking forward to spending some time with our families and recharging for the challenges of the season ahead.
"I'm thrilled to have been involved in a wonderful event. It was a great experience and I'm glad to be back.
"Thanks for the support of the English people. The English media has been absolutely fantastic and we received a big boost from reading everything that's been written and said in support before the final and after it as well.
"On behalf of myself and my family I'd like to say thank you for that."
The 2010 World Cup is over, but you can re-live it at Goal.com's World Cup homepage and join Goal.com USA's Facebook fan page!
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