Ipswich Executive Discusses VAR Consistency with Referee Head Webb in ‘Confidential’ Meeting

Discussions between Ipswich Town and the refereeing body PGMOL, following a contentious VAR decision, will remain “confidential”, the club announced. Mark Ashton, chief executive for The Tractor Boys, stated that Premier League football was “worse off” since the introduction of video assistant referees (VAR). He addressed the new refereeing tool during an interview on BBC Suffolk’s The Blue Hour after Town was denied a penalty in the team’s 1-1 draw against Leicester City, following an incident where Abdul Fatawu appeared to push Conor Chaplin. Ashton has since hosted PGMOL chief Howard Webb at Portman Road to deliberate on what the Ipswich executive perceived as a lack of consistency surrounding VAR decisions. Ashton and Webb had agreed to convene after they shared an “interesting conversation” in the hours following the team’s home draw against the Foxes. Ashton remarked, “All I look for is consistency,” adding, “Right now, I am confused.” When the BBC inquired with the club about whether a resolution had been reached between Ashton and Webb, it was informed that the conversation would “remain confidential”. The PGMOL also confirmed that a meeting had taken place, but its details would stay private. Stay updated on Suffolk news through BBC Sounds, Facebook, external, Instagram, external, and X, external. Sandi Toksvig appears with Gyles Brandreth, Lulu, Emmanuel Sonubi, and Alan Davies. Sing along to tracks by Queen, Taylor Swift, Bon Jovi, Katy Perry, and others… Ben Fogle and Kate Humble make a return for the celebrations at Longleat Safari Park. Discussions cover subjects ranging from microplastics in our air, soil, and waterways, to the quantity of food waste during this season. © 2024 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.