Howard Webb sent personal plea after Leeds United vs Sunderland ‘mess’
Referees’ chief Howard Webb has been urged to bring his officials in line and crack down on blatant holding inside the box after Leeds were denied a penalty against Sunderland.
Daniel Farke‘s side suffered a frustrating 1-0 defeat against the Black Cats at Elland Road on Tuesday night, after Habib Diarra’s controversial second-half winner.
The visitors were awarded a spot-kick of their own following Ethan Ampadu’s handball, and Diarra stepped up to squirm his effort through Karl Darlow on 70 minutes.
Leeds pushed for an equaliser but were unable to find a way through in a game influenced by two major refereeing decisions, and now, Keith Hackett has issued an urgent call for change.
- Read more: Jermaine Beckford ‘absolutely embarrassed’ by what he saw in Leeds United loss vs Sunderland
Referees warned they look ‘weak’ after Leeds loss vs Sunderland
Farke was incensed after referee Stuart Attwell failed to penalise a blatant holding offence from Luke O’Nien during a first-half corner, with Pascal Struijk tugged to the floor.
Attwell did not appear to spot the incident, and while VAR are believed to have checked for a penalty, it was seemingly deemed that a clear and obvious error did not take place.
Premier League managers, players and supporters alike look to have had enough of costly officiating errors, and Hackett, the former PGMOL boss and top-flight referee, says action must be taken.
He believes that a failure to clamp down on similar incidents leaves referees “weak” and “lacking authority”.
Speaking exclusively to MOT Leeds News, former Premier League referee Hackett said: “We are witnessing players wrapping their arms around opponents and no fouls are given.
“So, Howard Webb, it is in your hands to sort out this mess.
“Give a player an inch, and they will take full advantage of weak officiating. Get your officials sorted and inform everyone in the game of what action you are taking.
“No action cannot continue. For the good of the game, sort it.”
Hopefully, Hackett’s impassioned plea will lead to a common-sense change from officials.
- Read more: Premier League put out announcement after Ethan Ampadu incident in Leeds United loss vs Sunderland
Leeds should follow Tottenham’s no-nonsense example
Post-match, Farke shared his disbelief that the Whites weren’t awarded the spot-kick, asking: “What was VAR doing? It can’t be a clear penalty.”
Former Leeds striker Jermaine Beckford also voiced his frustration, declaring that Attwell’s failure to punish O’Nien for the hold was “absolutely embarrassing”.
Clearly, Leeds would have overwhelming support should they decide to follow Tottenham’s hardline example and lodge a direct complaint to the Premier League.
Harry Wilson’s goal against Spurs was allowed to stand at the weekend despite a push on Radu Dragusin, leading the North London side to write a letter to the PGMOL and Webb.
While this isn’t enough to result in much-needed clarity, it is a welcome first step. Webb and his officials simply have to get a grip on wrestling inside the box.
Leeds can now attest to that.
For more news and insight on Leeds United, visit Football Insider.