Webb gets FA backing - Sport in brief - Evening Standard
       

Webb gets FA backing

The Football Association have offered their support to referee Howard Webb after his first match at Euro 2008 resulted in death threats from Poland fans.

Webb awarded a last-gasp penalty which saw Austria equalise against Leo Beenhakker's side at Ernst Happel Stadium on Thursday, a decision made for wrestling in the area that has since been backed by UEFA.

"Howard Webb is a top-class referee and has consistently performed at the highest level for several years," said FA director of communications Adrian Bevington. "That is why he is representing England at Euro 2008."

He added: "We were pleased to see UEFA publicly support Howard and it is important The FA also does so.

"(FA chief executive) Brian Barwick has been in touch with Howard to offer his support and we look forward to him refereeing more games at the tournament."

The day after Webb's decision, Italy conceded a penalty against Romania for a similar type of offence.

Sport in brief in Pictures

Don't Miss
Dog save the Queen: Corgis surge in popularity

Dog save the Queen

Corgis surge in popularity
London gets ready for the Diamond Jubilee - in pictures

Diamond Jubilee

London gets ready - in pictures
'He’s a better ex than he was a husband', says Boris Johnson's ex wife

A better ex than husband

We talk to Boris Johnson's ex wife
TV Baftas - in pictures

Best of the Baftas

Stars on the red, white and blue carpet
You big softie: Has Giles Coren put down his poison pen?

You big softie

Has Giles Coren put down his poison pen?
Pop star Paloma Faith, former Labour minister and Tory blogger back gay marriage video

Gay marriage

Pop star, former Labour minister and Tory blogger back gay marriage video
Promethipedia: the lowdown on Ridley Scott's new blockbuster Prometheus

Promethipedia

The lowdown on Ridley Scott's new blockbuster Prometheus
Prints charming: patterned trousers for summer

Prints charming

Patterned trousers for summer
Bob Geldof on grandchildren, activism and the state of music

Grandpa Bob

Bob Geldof on grandchildren, activism and the state of music
The Middletan: Kate Middleton has the most requested tan in London

The Middletan

Kate Middleton has the most requested tan in London