Webb upbeat after final

Under-fire World Cup final referee Howard Webb says he was thrilled to be involved in the showpiece tournament.

The 39-year-old has attracted criticism, not least from the Dutch media, after issuing 14 yellow cards during Spain's 1-0 win, two of which ensured the sending off of Holland's defender John Heitinga.

However, pundits within the English game have shown their support for the Rotherham official, who arrived home with his assistants Darren Cann and Michael Mullarkey on Tuesday.

Delighted

Webb toldSky Sports News:"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 is among those to have praised Webb's display, insisting the referee did well under the tough circumstances.

"Firstly, 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,"Jonathan Hall, the FA's director on the Professional Game Match Officials Board, told the association's website.

"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.

"I think what this does do is strengthen our resolve to support our excellent network of referees in England and it also shows the real 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."

David Elleray, chairman of the FA's Referee's Committee, also hailed Webb's performance, insisting he showed similar bravery to Jack Taylor in 1974, when the English referee awarded the first World Cup final penalty.

Strength

Elleray added:"Howard and his colleagues demonstrated why Fifa selected them as the best referee team in the 2010 World Cup and the FA is very proud of that.

"Howard, like Jack Taylor in 1974, showed impartiality, strength of character and a very high level of accuracy in the most important match in the world.

"The team were faced with a very challenging World Cup final and responded in a highly professional manner.

"Howard, Mike and Darren should look back on this tournament with a sense of pride in their performances, they are a huge credit to our profession and we are all looking forward to welcoming them home."

Source