Ex-FIFA official reacts to penalty drama in Leeds defeat vs Newcastle after footage he saw
Leeds United’s dramatic defeat at Newcastle came with its fair share of controversy, with two penalties awarded.
Daniel Farke’s side lost 4-3 at St. James’ Park, after the hosts completed a dramatic stoppage-time turnaround.
Bruno Guimaraes scored a late equaliser from the spot, before Harvey Barnes’ historic winner beat Lucas Perri in the Leeds goal.
Farke will most likely be left scratching his head as to how Leeds lost the game, as ex-FIFA official, Keith Hackett, reacted to the Whites’ first-half penalty call.
Keith Hackett says Leeds deserved their penalty
Brenden Aaronson atoned for Pascal Struijk’s first-half miss with a strike that put the Whites a goal to the good, right before Barnes levelled things up.
Leeds were then awarded a penalty on the stroke of halftime, when the ball appeared to strike the arm of Newcastle’s Malick Thiaw.
Speaking exclusively to MOT Leeds News, Hackett explained why Michael Salisbury’s decision was the correct one.
Hackett said: “The referee is in a great position to see and recognise that handball offence.
“It’s a good detection of the handball by the referee and correct with the penalty kick decision.”
Newcastle felt aggrieved, especially when the referee snubbed the Magpies of their own penalty moments later.
However, Eddie Howe has likely forgiven all due to how the game ended.
Key stat that Daniel Farke can take away from Newcastle loss
The defeat to Newcastle brings Leeds’ seven-game unbeaten run to a crushing end, and quite frankly, the Whites deserved to take something back to LS11.
But football is cruel, and that wasn’t to be the case. However, it’s games like these where Farke and the players can take great belief in that they can stay up this season.
Leeds could still get relegated, but with the Whites managing to get 14 shots off at a place like St. James’ Park, the proof is there that they can stay up.
The Whites threatened Newcastle’s defence all game, and in the end, it felt like either side could have snatched the three points. On a different day, Leeds would have won – no doubt.
Farke will have to dust himself down and go again, with Leeds’ next Premier League game coming on Saturday, 17 January, in a winnable matchup against Fulham at Elland Road.