Rodon blasted by ex-PGMOL chief after ‘careless’ Leeds v Middlesbrough incident
Middlesbrough should have had a first-half penalty in their 3-1 defeat to Leeds United at Elland Road on Tuesday, according to Keith Hackett.
In the 17th minute of the crucial Championship tie, Riley McGree was brought down in the box by Joe Rodon after the Leeds defender tried to clear a low cross into the box.
Instead of kicking the ball away, Rodon made contact with McGree and brought the Boro man down to the ground.
Referee Ben Toner didn’t have the best view of the incident and former Premier League and FIFA official Hackett believes VAR would have been helpful in this case.
“Whilst the referee is in close proximity to play he does not have a clear viewing angle to see the careless challenge by the Leeds United player,” Hackett told MOT Leeds News.
“It is a foul and Middlesborough can feel aggrieved that the referee did not point to the penalty mark.
“This is the example of why VAR if it was in operation at the Championship level would give clarity to these close calls.
“The referee must see, recognise, think and act and not to guess.”
Will the EFL introduce VAR after Leeds v Middlesbrough incident?
Middlesbrough fans will be wanting VAR after that game – but Leeds fans won’t.
Speaking in October, the EFL’s chief executive Trevor Birch confirmed there are no plans to introduce VAR into the Championship, League One or League Two.
As quoted by The Times, Birch suggested that the EFL would lose “authentic football” if the controversial technology came into play in the second, third and fourth tiers.
In other Leeds United news, this £30,000-a-week player looks finished at Elland Road – much to the relief of Paraag Marathe.
For more Leeds news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.