VAR fails to intervene as Leeds United get away with one in controversy vs Nottingham Forest
Keith Hackett has questioned why VAR didn’t intervene after an incident in Leeds United’s defeat to Nottingham Forest.
Leeds suffered a 3-1 defeat to Nottingham Forest, and when taking into account the fixtures ahead of the Whites, it is hard to see things getting better.
Lukas Nmecha gave the Whites the lead after a superb double save from Lucas Perri, but goals from Ibrahim Sangare, Morgan Gibbs-White and Elliot Anderson turned the game on its head for the hosts, and saw them take all three points.
It’s another dreadful result for Leeds, but after an incident in the first half, it could have been even worse.
Nottingham Forest should have had a penalty in the first half.
When Nmecha gave Leeds the lead, it was looking as though it was going to be a good day on the road for the Whites, but things turned sour quickly.
Sangare levelled the score less than two minutes later, with Forest seeing the better of the game for the remainder of the frist half.
Towards the final few minutes, a ball was sent into the penalty area, and Igor Jesus appeared to be fouled by Jaka Bijol, though Jarred Gillet waved play on, with no interference from VAR.
That surprised Hackett, who, when speaking exclusively to MOT Leeds News, believes it should have been a penalty.
“This is a clear holding offence by Bijol that is sustained“, explained the former PGMOL chief.
“It impacts the Forest players’ movement, and a penalty kick should have been awarded.
“I’m surprised that VAR did not intervene, given that the holding offence should have resulted in the award of a penalty.”
Will Leeds win another game this season?
In the heat of the moment, it’s easy to say no.
That argument is backed up even further when you look at the fixtures approaching.
Leeds host Aston Villa after the international break, with clashes against Man City, Chelsea and Liverpool in succession after that.
Their last fixture of 2025 will see Leeds face high-flying Sunderland at the Stadium of Light, before a trip to Liverpool to start the new year.
Based on the current form, it is really hard to see where the points are going to come from.
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