Mellow O’Neill accepts honest mistake
Whether the former Celtic boss has mellowed or respects Webb’s reputation remains to be seen with Sunderland heavily involved in the Premiership’s relegation dogfight.
Television evidence suggested that there was no contact between Leon Osman and any Sunderland player but World Cup final referee Webb pointed to the spot with Leighton Baines converting the spot kick.
“It’s not a great decision by an otherwise top referee,” O’Neill said. “I did speak to Howard. He hadn’t seen it back – I obviously have had the advantage of seeing the incident back.
“Naturally, he must have thought there was contact. Clearly, there wasn’t and it’s obviously disappointing.”
Everton boss Davie Moyes was in agreement that it shouldn’t have been a penalty saying: “I did, yes, but I’ve had the chance to see it again. I don’t think it’s a penalty kick – well, it’s not a penalty kick.
“It’s a terrible decision by the referee. It wasn’t a penalty kick and Martin should feel hard done by.”
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