'I should have disallowed Pole's goal' - Webb

Updated: June 15, 2008, 12:06 PM ET

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English referee Howard Webb admits he made one key mistake in the Euro 2008 clash between Poland and Austria - but that the decision to award a controversial late penalty against the Poles was absolutely right.

Webb has been the subject of a hate campaign from Polish fans after he gave a spot-kick for shirt-pulling in the area which veteran Austria striker Ivica Vastic converted for a 1-1 draw, but stands by that decision.

However, he does feel he should have disallowed Poland's first-half opener scored by Brazil-born midfielder Roger Guerreiro.

'In that particular game there was one mistake and that was the goal for Poland, which was offside,' said Webb.

'To me the penalty was clear and I hope that people later will look at it and realise it was the only decision that could be taken.'

The 36-year-old Sheffield policeman has since been vilified by an angry Polish public, sparked by comments made by the country's prime minister.

The result left Poland bottom of Group B going into their final group game. Asked about all the negative reaction in Poland to his decision, Webb said: 'We don't hear everything that is being said.

'I know things are said in the heat of the moment which people don't mean. I'm sure that most people in every country are reasonable people.

'We are here to do a job and we do the job always honestly and to the best of our ability. We don't want to be popular but we want to be respected.'

Webb admitted neither he nor his family back home feel under threat.

'I have not received any threats,' he said. 'My family and friends are fine.

'Naturally, we have security from UEFA as do other referees but I haven't changed my routine since that game.'

Webb did reveal he has received the backing of UEFA and the Football Association.

'The support is not in relation to that decision (penalty), UEFA don't consider that a controversy,' he said.

'The FA are in touch with me all the time as I represent them as I represent UEFA.

'They are staying in contact with us every day.'

Moreover, Webb has received plenty of backing from abroad.

'The support has been excellent, from colleagues all over the world, family and friends, which is nice,' he added.

Webb is now looking forward to his next task, which will be officiating Wednesday's Group C match between Greece and Spain.

'I'm delighted with my second appointment and looking forward to the game,' he said.

'It's a good experience and I'm delighted to be here.

'You need to develop a thick skin for these tournaments otherwise we wouldn't be able to operate.

'The amount of grief is not that big, nine times out of 10 a game goes swiftly.

'I believe the standard of officiating from the tournament has been good.'

As to whether he will have a chance to referee in any other games in Euro 2008, Webb said: 'We are taking one game at a time and we'll go out on Wednesday to do the best job.

'That decision (to officiate in the final) has to do with several factors, including level of experience and obviously performance.

'We need to continue to work very hard and hopefully that will get me appointed to other major tournaments.'