Thaindian News

London, July 12 (ANI): English World Cup referee Howard Webb has been praised after brandishing a record 14 yellow cards and one red in the final.The Yorkshireman was at the centre of a bruising encounter between Holland and Spain, which saw eight Dutch players booked and one sent off. Five Spaniards also received yellow cards.

Despite the flurry of cards the concensus among many watching the game was that Webb did well and could have been much more ruthless.

Webb could easily have set a new record for red cards too after an assortment of dives, barges, two foot challenges and outright karate kicks, Sky Sports reports.

Former Liverpool defender Mark Lawrenson, co-commentating on the match, said: “You might argue it was the most difficult match he has ever had to referee.”Alan Hansen branded Holland’s approach as “total thuggery”.

Manchester United’s Rio Ferdinand said on Twitter at half time: “The players aren’t making this easy for our referee Mr.Webb! He’s handling it OK so far though.”

Webb issued four more yellow cards in the second half - three to Holland as the pressure on both teams to score mounted.Webb finally saw red, sending off Dutch player Heitinga

Extra time brought a further five yellow cards and a red as Heitinga was sent off shortly before Andres Iniesta scored the winning goal for Spain.

After the game Webb was largely praised by fans on Twitter.

One wrote: “Well done to Howard Webb for his performance in tonight’s game. Yes he made a few mistakes, but ultimately he did well in a difficult game!!”

Another wrote: “Given the circumstances, Howard Webb did a good job! The Dutch could have easily been down to 9 men which would’ve been bad for football!” (ANI)