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Webb: FA backing
Under-fire Euro 2008 referee Howard Webb has received the backing of the Football Association.
Webb's controversial award of a late penalty enabled Austria to snatch a 1-1 draw with Poland in their Group B clash on Tuesday.
The Premier League official ruled that Poland midfielder Mariusz Lewandowski pulled down Austria defender Sebastian Prodl in the second minute of stoppage time, allowing Ivica Vastic to equalise from the spot.
That led to reports of death threats from Poland fans and criticism from many connected with the Polish camp, including the country's Prime Minister.
Uefa have already given Webb their backing, while FA chief executive Brian Barwick has been in touch with the Rotherham official to offer his support.
Pleased
"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.
"We were pleased to see UEFA publicly support Howard and it is important The FA also does so.
"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.
UEFA are set to announce the next set of referee appointments for matches at Euro 2008 on Sunday morning.
