Howard Webb WAS listening to William Saliba VAR audio before Arsenal star's red card against Bournemouth - but PGMOL insist he had no involvement in controversial decision

The Gunners were left incensed after seeing their France international sent off during the first half of the Premier League clash with Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium. Saliba was initially shown a yellow card, before referee Rob Jones was encouraged to review the incident on a pitch-side monitor.

Sky Sports cameras showed PGMOL chief Webb sat in the stands with an earpiece and mobile phone as he watched events unfold on the south coast. He was in conversation with the person sat next to him, while ex-Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher asked on social media – before hastily deleting the post: “Was Howard Webb involved in the decision-making of the red card of Saliba??”

Jarred Gillett, who was on VAR duty, asked Jones to take a second look at Saliba’s challenge on Bournemouth striker Evanilson – with the Cherries star dragged back while running clear as he looked to latch on to a wayward pass from Arsenal winger Leandro Trossard.

Saliba was judged to have denied a clear goal-scoring opportunity, as all angles of the challenge were taken into account, and was given his marching orders in a game that Arsenal went on to lose 2-0. The Gunners believe that they have been on the wrong end of another controversial call from the match officials.

According to The Times, Webb played no part in reaching a decision that infuriated Arsenal. He was not able to communicate with any members of the officiating team and was merely listening to the same VAR feed that is available to Premier League broadcasters – with PGMOL pointing out that all of their management staff have access to that audio when attending matches.