Daniel James fortunate as Keith Hackett comments on Sheffield United v Leeds footage
Daniel James was fortunate to escape action after an incident that happened in the Sheffield United versus Leeds United match, according to Keith Hackett.
Leeds won 3-1 Sheffield United at Bramall Lane on Monday (24 February) as Junior Firpo, Ao Tanaka and Joel Piroe struck to cancel out Illan Meslier’s own goal.
It was a night to forget for Leeds‘ number one, who had a number of nervy moments either side of that calamitous own goal.
Leeds struggled to get going in the first half but deserve huge praise for digging deep to claim all three points that extends their lead at the Championship summit.
Hackett surprised James avoided yellow card v Sheffield United
With Leeds – minus key player Ethan Ampadu because of a knee injury – pushing desperately for an equaliser a little over an hour into the game, the visitors felt they should have had a penalty.
James went to ground after feeling he was shoved by Sheffield United defender Jack Robinson inside the box.
The Wales international tried to get away from his man after stealing the ball off him, and looked desperately towards the referee when on his way to the ground.
| Team | Points | GD |
| Leeds United | 75 | 50 |
| Sheffield United | 70 | 22 |
| Burnley | 68 | 34 |
However, asked about that incident after watching back the footage, ex-PGMOL chief Hackett exclusively told MOT Leeds News: “Daniel James clearly went to ground looking for a penalty kick attempting to deceive the referee.
“Referee David Webb was in a good position to judge and was spot on to detect James’ actions.
“It’s disappointing that James was not issued a yellow card for an act of simulation in attempting to deceive the referee.
“Referees, whatever the game or the player, need to toughen up on this offence.”
Leeds take massive step towards Premier League promotion
It looked like being one of those days for Leeds against their Yorkshire rivals, but Firpo’s leveller completely changed the game.
Ao Tanaka put Leeds ahead in the 89th minute and Joel Piroe made sure of three massive points shortly after.
From being dragged into a serious scrap from automatic promotion to being seven points clear of third-place Burnley in the blink of an eye.
That pretty much sums up the 2024-25 Leeds, who never know when they’re beaten and are capable of memorable moments out of nowhere.