HOWARD WEBB set a new World Cup final record after handing out 14 yellow cards and one red to Spain and Holland in a tempestuous climax to this tournament.

It was an ordeal by combat for the Yorkshire official and his assistants Darren Cann and Michael Mullarkey as Holland in particular tried to ’win ugly’.

It is not a record the 38-year-old Webb will be proud of but he was often left with little option as a tense encounter saw some crunching fouls and numerous late challenges.

Webb showed nine yellow cards to the Dutch – including two and a red to Everton’s John Heitinga – and five to Spain.

Webb easily surpassed the record of Brazilian referee Romuald Arppi Filho who showed six cards in the 1986 final between Argentina and West Germany.

An X-rated challenge by Nigel De Jong posed Webb his first real question when the Dutch midfielder smashed his boot studs-first into Xabi Alonso’s chest. The Spain bench went up as one and though Webb must have considered a red card he opted for yellow again.

By half-time five players were in the book, prompting Rio Ferdinand to say on Twitter: “The players aren’t making this easy for our referee Mr Webb! He’s handling it okay so far though.”

Heitinga received his second caution and then red for hauling back Iniesta and Web was booed by the Dutch fans when he went up to collect his medal after the match.

But they might want to consider he could have easily have dished out more.