Keith Hackett blasts decision to deny Dan James a penalty in Leeds United win v Watford
We’re delighted to welcome former Premier League referee Keith Hackett to the MOT Leeds News team. Each week, Hackett will discuss the big moments from the latest Leeds United games and deliver his verdict on whether his successors got their calls right or wrong…
Former Premier League referee Keith Hackett believes Leeds United were denied a blatant penalty in their 1-0 win over Watford on Saturday.
The Whites were worthy winners at Elland Road but many supporters were unhappy that their team was unable to add to their tally after Welsh winger Dan James was seemingly upended in the penalty area by William Troost-Ekong.
The incident occurred only minutes after Diego Llorente’s 18th-minute opener, a goal that proved to be the winner.
Troost-Ekong seemingly put his arm across the summer signing from Manchester United, and Hackett is in no doubt that the wrong decision was made by the officials at Elland Road on Saturday.
“James was fouled in the penalty area, it was a nailed-on penalty kick for me,” Hackett told MOT Leeds News.
“I’m waiting for Lee Mason [to come in], he’s the professional VAR, the only one, this is his whole job.
“He wasn’t a very good referee and on this performance he’s not a very good VAR.
“He’s out of order. Two experienced referees come to the decision that it’s not a penalty kick and how wrong can they be.”
In other Leeds United news, a BBC pundit has called for a lifetime ban after this Whites player incident.