Everton fan’s forum now left ‘baffled’ by Howard Webb’s response to VAR controversy

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Everton have been on the receiving end of some questionable refereeing decisions this season.

However, that is nothing new.

The standard of officiating has been falling fast, and in an effort to combat that decline Howard Webb was brought in to restore some balance and much-needed progression.

It’s fair to say he has failed thus far.

Everton Fan Forum receive response from Howard Webb

Having sent a letter to Webb back in January, a response finally arrived not too long ago.

However, there was instant unhappiness with the vague nature of the reply. It was useless and offered no promise or plan as to how he might guide his officials towards a brighter, less controversial future.

So, the chairman of the Fan Forum, Barry Williams, has since spoken to The Times about this ongoing drama.

He noted: ‘In the meeting, he [Webb] acknowledged quite a few incorrect decisions that had gone against Everton, such as the Konaté one,” Williams said. “I was expecting a detailed response to follow that, but the letter does not contain enough answers. The sentence which baffled me was that officiating is ‘as good, if not better than it’s ever been’.

‘All we want is someone to acknowledge some of the decisions that have gone against Everton and what they plan to do to make things better for everyone because, to be honest, it is not just about us.

‘Every club has had decisions that have gone against them. It has not just been wrong for Everton, it has been wrong for everyone.

‘That can be human error. We know it is a difficult job, but there is something there that is meant to reduce that in VAR. I’m not sure the fans’ forum will get another response, but we have to try.’

Sean Dyche needs focus to remain

Although it is a near-impossible task given all that is going on around them, retaining focus is a must for Sean Dyche.

After all, should he get his players to lock in and put together even the tiniest run of form, perhaps stretching across three or four games, it likely will be enough to drag the Toffees away from the mire and into safety.

However, that is far easier said than done, especially given all the distractions on offer.

Firstly, their second PSR case was heard just last week, and there could still be more punishment to come after their initial deduction saw them robbed of ten, later reduced to six points.

Next, an ongoing takeover that has spanned nearly nine months continues to rumble on in the background, likely unsettling the camp further.

Such uncertainty is never easy to build a foundation from.

And finally, this officiating drama.

Fans have every right to bring up such injustice, and their frustration is certainly valid, but for Dyche, it is a losing battle anyway.

Nothing will ever change. It never does. He and his players alone can fix this mess, and put things beyond all reasonable doubt to ensure safety is secured.