Keith Hackett: Granit Xhaka deserved red card in Leeds loss v Arsenal
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…
Keith Hackett has insisted that Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka should have been sent off against Leeds United.
The former FIFA-listed official admitted that the Swiss international has got a “mean streak” and deserved to get his marching orders in the 4-1 clash.
Xhaka stamped on Raphinha in the second half at Elland Road but wasn’t even booked despite a VAR check being completed.
“That was a red card,” he exclusively told MOT Leeds News.
“What he’s done, he’s got a mean streak this player. He’s come in, he’s got his right leg cocked, foot off the ground, moves in towards the player and then stamps it down.
“He comes into contact with the lower leg and the top of the foot – it’s a red card.”
Embarrassing.
It was a shocking decision from all parties, with Xhaka clearly having a history and stamping down on Raphinha that could have caused serious injury.
The officials missed it, and VAR checking it and not advising another look is simply embarrassing and another example of how the officiating is getting worst.
After Chelsea were handed a penalty for nothing a couple of weeks ago, decisions such as this one are even more baffling.
This is yet another decision that has gone against Leeds, and something has to be done to make VAR and officiating more consistent.
In other Leeds United news, the Whites are ready to make major January signings with unexpected deals to force action