Ethan Ampadu wrongly punished as ex-FIFA official reacts to Leeds United footage
Keith Hackett believes Leeds United midfielder Ethan Ampadu was very unlucky against Liverpool.
Leeds drew 0-0 with Liverpool on New Year’s Day to extend their Premier League unbeaten run to six games.
Daniel Farke’s side are now seven points clear of the relegation zone, a great position to be heading into the second half of the season.
However, it didn’t all go the Whites’ way at Anfield with a questionable refereeing decision coming back to haunt them.
Ethan Ampadu ‘incorrectly’ booked for handball
Ampadu was penalised by referee Christopher Kavanagh for supposedly handling the ball on the hour mark, despite the fact that the ball seemed to strike his shoulder.
The Wales international was booked, but former PGMOL chief Hackett believes that it was an incorrect decision.
Speaking exclusively to MOT Leeds News, he said: “The referee has judged that Ampadu in his opinion deliberately handled the ball and viewed it as an act of unsporting behaviour, hence the yellow card.
“However, the footage appears to indicate that the player legally used his shoulder to control the ball.
“In that case, if the player did use his shoulder and not his hand and arm, the decision by the referee to issue a yellow card was incorrect.
“The person who might have assisted would be the guy sat in front of a television screen at Stockley Park, with the ability to determine if the referee has made a clear and obvious error.
“However, under VAR criteria, they cannot intervene on a yellow card offence. Ampadu is also unable to appeal a yellow card, so the doubtful yellow card will stand.”
- Read More: Keith Hackett rages at ‘disgraceful’ Chris Kavanagh mistake after Liverpool vs Leeds controversy
Leeds get massive Ethan Ampadu blow
As a result of the booking, Ampadu will now miss Leeds’ clash with Manchester United at Elland Road on Sunday.
The 25-year-old has hit the five yellow card threshold for the season, meaning he is suspended for the visit of Ruben Amorim’s side.
Leeds fans will be infuriated that a poor refereeing decision is the reason that their captain will be unavailable for such an important game.
It will be the first match Ampadu has missed since he was injured as Farke’s side drew 0-0 with Newcastle United back in August.
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