The Rational Ref | Like all refs, Howard Webb will be remembered for his mistakes
Great as he was with the whistle, the retiring official was perceived as biased towards United and failed to show red when it mattered most
Loathed a lot more than he was liked, the surprise retirement of England's most successful referee, Howard Webb, has thrown up some interesting social commentary about the perceived state of officiating among fans.
Despite refereeing with distinction for a quarter of a century, being a professional full-time referee in the English Premier League for 11 years and still at the top of his game, twitter was awash with sarcastic comments and sardonic photos of the 43-year-old Yorkshireman. If the tweets are anything to go by, the majority of EPL players, coaches, commentators and fans have the perception Webb has always been biased toward Manchester United and Alex Ferguson.
Despite these impressive international achievements, most people remember Webb for failing to send off Nigel de Jong for his 'kung fu kick' on Xabi Alonso in the 2010 World Cup final
Webb also set precedents on the international scene. In 2010, he became the first-ever official to referee the Uefa Champions League final and the Fifa World Cup final in the same year. Along with his trusted assistant referees, Darren Cann and Mike Mullarkey, no other World Cup final referee has ever returned to officiate a consecutive World Cup, which the trio did this year in Brazil.
Despite these impressive international achievements, most people remember Webb for failing to send off Nigel de Jong for his "kung fu kick" on Xabi Alonso in the 2010 World Cup final.
This kind of negative reaction demonstrates just what sticks in people's highly selective memories. Nevertheless, Webb has achieved what 99.9 per cent of referees can only dream about.
Webb's experience and standing has inspired others and there are millions of men and women around the world who are passionate about being match officials. Because of his integrity, commitment and high profile, Webb will instinctively know other referees have and will benefit from his work.
