Ex-PGMOL chief blasts Tony Harrington for ‘unacceptable’ decision in Sunderland vs Leeds: ‘It sends out the wrong message’
Simon Adingra was lucky not to be booked for his challenge on Joe Rodon as Leeds United drew 1-1 against Sunderland in the Premier League on Sunday.
Daniel Farke’s team travelled to the Stadium of Light on 28 December, with Lukas Nmecha returning to the bench after missing the previous games through injury.
Noah Okafor looked threatening in the first half against Sunderland, but was unable to do much in the first half, just like his teammates.
Brian Brobbey first brought down Rodon in the seventh minute of the game, before Adingra’s crunching foul on the centre-back’s ankle led to his substitution minutes later.
Simon Adingra should’ve been booked for Joe Rodon foul against Leeds United
Rodon was forced off after Adingra scored, with the Welsh defender clearly affected by the forward’s challenge.
On-field referee Tony Harrington didn’t think the Cote d’Ivoire international’s actions warranted a booking, but Keith Hackett believes excessive force was used.
The former PGMOL chief feels it was “unacceptable” for the referee to let the former Brighton attacker go without a booking.
Speaking exclusively to MOT Leeds News, Hackett said, “Clearly, the referee needs to be given some operational advice with regard to Law 12. Whilst the first challenge, I would not have expected any sanction. The second challenge warranted at minimum a yellow card.
“The challenger used excessive force, and again, we see the leading leg of the offender and the studs of the boot showing before coming into contact with Rodon. To apply no sanction is unacceptable and sends out the wrong message to participants in the game.”
Calvert-Lewin has been exceptional for Farke in recent matches, and once again was on the scoresheet for the Peacocks, making history at the Stadium of Light.
The Black Cats were second-best to the Whites in the Championship last season, but they made some astute decisions in the summer transfer window and are now in the top half of the Premier League table.
Daniel Farke proves Sunderland prediction wrong
Farke’s team were the underdog against Sunderland, and the German manager had a chance to make a statement in Wearside.
While Leeds were poor in the opening 45 minutes, the German manager’s team talk completely turned things around after the break.
As things stand, Farke’s only goal will surely be to avoid relegation, and the Whites showed that they can go toe-to-toe against the Black Cats, who have had an impressive season so far.
After the performance against Sunderland, the Elland Road faithful will be confident in the former Norwich City boss’ skills to help the Peacocks survive the drop.
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