Referee Howard Webb pleased to be home after 'tough game'

Published on 13/07/2010 18:44

World Cup final referee Howard Webb reflected on a "tough game" after returning home from South Africa but was thrilled to have been involved in the showpiece tournament.

The 39-year-old has been heavily criticised, not least by the Dutch media, after issuing 14 yellow cards during Spain's fractious 1-0 win - two of which led to the dismissal of Holland's Everton defender John Heitinga.

But people within the English game have been quick to leap to the defence of the Rotherham official, who arrived home with his assistants Darren Cann and Michael Mullarkey yesterday.

Webb said: "I'm delighted to be home. It was an amazing experience out there. I was thrilled and delighted to be appointed to the final game which turned out to be a tough game but we come home with a real sense of achievement and just pleased to be back home now and looking forward to spending some time with our families and recharging for the challenges of the season ahead.

"I'm thrilled to have been involved in a wonderful event. It was a great experience and I'm glad to be back.

"Thanks for the support of the English people. The English media has been absolutely fantastic and we received a big boost from reading everything that's been written and said in support before the final and after it as well. On behalf of myself and my family I'd like to say thank you for that."

The Football Association earlier expressed its support for Webb. Speaking to TheFA.com, Jonathan Hall, the FA's director on the Professional Game Match Officials Board, said: "We would like to congratulate Howard Webb, Mike Mullarkey and Darren Cann for a wonderful tournament and a very well-handled final in very difficult circumstances. Nothing should take away from Howard's achievement and it is hard to imagine many other officials being able to match his performance or handle such a fixture so well.

"This strengthens our resolve to support our excellent network of referees in England and it shows the value of the work being undertaken by the Respect programme domestically.

"We are all thoroughly proud of the fact Fifa chose to recognise Howard at the very peak of his profession."