Webb believes abuse of referees at all levels of the game is worse than it has ever been and says more support is being provided to support officials.
In January, police launched an investigation after Michael Oliver received death threats online. In September, Anthony Taylor was temporarily stood down from officiating after being abused on social media.
Taylor and his family were confronted by angry Roma fans in Budapest airport after the Italian side lost to Sevilla in the 2023 Europa League final, with video of the incident posted on social media.
“People have a bigger platform than ever to voice opinions, but some of how that opinion is voiced is unacceptable,” said Webb.
“We saw examples with our officials last season. It happens with players and other participants in the game as well. It’s a little bit of a reflection of society today – people express strong opinions, which is normal, and the game naturally creates split opinions in the grey zone.
“But disagreement with an outcome doesn’t give a license to abuse officials on certain platforms, including threats to the safety of officials and their families. That is wholly unacceptable.
“We provide good support for officials, including psychological support, mental health and well-being. Support extends to their families, too.”
Webb says the introduction of VAR has increased scrutiny on officials’ decision-making and can create perceptions of conspiracy of bias, though he says such perceptions are “wholly unjustifiable”.
He said: “Previously, referees made judgments in the moment based on what they saw. Now, VAR reviews decisions with more time and different angles. But that doesn’t change the fact that some decisions remain grey.
“If you think a penalty decision is wrong, you expect VAR to get involved. But if it’s 50/50, half will think the original decision was right, and if VAR overturns it, those people will be disappointed.
“The skill for us is recognising when a situation is truly grey and conversely when there is a truly clear one. But don’t expect to agree with the final outcome every time.”
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