English policeman-turned ref Howard Webb voted world's best despite 'scandalous' decisions

English professional referee Howard Webb, who officiates primarily in the Premier League, has reportedly been named the best referee in the world despite falling foul of the Manchester United and Liverpool managers over recent controversial decisions.

Webb, whose decision-making was branded 'scandalous' by United boss Moyes last week, scooped the award from the International Federation of Football History and Statistics (IFFHS).

According to Metro.co.uk, the IFFHS picked the former policeman ahead of Italy's Nicola Rizzol and Hungary's Viktor Kassai while infamous Turkish referee Cuneyt Cakir - who has angered United and Chelsea fans in his time - came in fifth.

Webb, who previously won the award in 2010, had also denied Liverpool a clear-cut penalty against Chelsea, as well as ruffled United's feathers with his decisions against Tottenham Hotspur.

The winner is decided by experts from over 70 countries, the report added.