Keith Hackett applauds officials as Leeds involved in rare incident – Exclusive
MOT Leeds News presents the exclusive opinion of former Premier League and FIFA-listed referee Keith Hackett.
Leeds United continued their pre-season schedule with a 4-1 victory over SC Verl.
It was a comfortable victory for Daniel Farke’s side over the German third-tier outfit.
Joel Piroe scored twice, with the second coming from the penalty spot, while Wilfried Gnonto and summer signing Lukas Nmecha also netted in the 120-minute match.
However, despite the ease of victory, there were plenty of bizarre moments in the game.
Leeds handed strange penalty against SC Verl
Unfortunately, all of Leeds’ matches in Germany are to be played behind closed doors, preventing any fans from attending the games.
As a result, after the friendly against SC Verl had concluded, Leeds (22 July) posted the full match on their website, allowing supporters to relive the action.
One of the major talking points from the footage was the decision to give the Peacocks a penalty just before half-time.
With Leeds leading 1-0, the ball came out to Ilia Gruev who hit a tame shot straight at the keeper that was comfortably saved.
However, after dropping the ball, one of the SC Verl defenders was then accused of handball after wrongly believing it was a goal kick.
Leeds were subsequently awarded a penalty, which Piroe coolly dispatched.
Speaking exclusively to MOT Leeds News, former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett hailed the decision.
He said: “A complete lack of concentration by the defender, who one assumes believed that the ball had gone out for a goal kick.
“The referee was alert to the offence and correctly awarded a penalty kick for the handling offence.
“I also support the referee for not sanctioning a card.”
Farke needs to continue his squad momentum in pre-season
So far, Leeds’ pre-season has been a success, with multiple strong performances.
This has to continue throughout the coming weeks to ensure the Peacocks have momentum going into the Premier League campaign.
| Leeds’ pre-season schedule | Date |
| Leeds vs Villarreal | 2 August |
| Leeds vs AC Milan | 9 August |
A quick start is vital to Leeds’ survival, and the Yorkshire club cannot afford to be out of form going into Everton.
Hopefully, Farke will ensure that the Peacocks continue to pick up results throughout the rest of pre-season.
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