VAR and Stockley Park called out after Calvert-Lewin controversy in Brentford vs Leeds – ‘Why?’
Dominic Calvert-Lewin is proving to be one of the toughest strikers to stop in the Premier League at Leeds United.
Calvert-Lewin scored in his fourth consecutive game as Leeds drew 1-1 with Brentford on Sunday, but he also wanted a penalty in the second half.
After VAR intervened to prevent Dango Outtara from being handed a penalty despite minimal contact, Calvert-Lewin was heavily dragged down by Nathan Collins.
That wasn’t punished by John Brooks, who didn’t have his best game.
Leeds should have had penalty vs Brentford
Keith Hackett believes that Leeds deserved a penalty, with Calvert-Lewin clearly held back rather than going to ground too easily.
Speaking exclusively to MOT Leeds News, the ex-FIFA official was left scratching his head at VAR and the officials, with more expected after this incident.
“I find it difficult to understand why referees on the field of play and in the VAR room at Stockley Park accept ‘grappling’ and take no action,” Hackett said.
“Whilst they take no action, we will see a continuing increase in these offences when they are not sanctioned.
“I appreciate that it is not easy for the referees when we also witness players going to ground so easily.
“Was that holding offence such that the Leeds United player fell backwards, or did he decide that the action by him would help ‘sell’ the penalty kick and earn his team a shot at goal.
“Referees need to start to penalise by awarding penalty kicks or sanction attacking players with a yellow card for acts of simulation, attempting to deceive the referee.
“Sadly, the game will continue to have debate on unpunished holding offences whilst referees fail to sanction.
“His for me was an offence of holding that should have been penalised with a penalty kick.”
- Read more: Dominic Calvert-Lewin likened to the greatest sportsman in history after Leeds draw at Brentford
Should Daniel Farke take action?
Hackett would continue to say that Farke was correct to call out the officials following the draw, but did admit that he likely won’t comment on players going down too easily.
“The Leeds manager is correct in his comment,” he said.
“However, are he and the other nineteen managers going to take action to stop their players cheating to gain an advantage? Sadly, I think not.”
Leeds are now 17th in the Premier League, three points ahead of West Ham and the relegation zone.
It could have been so much better, though.
Enjoyed this article? Stay connected with all the latest Leeds United news, updates, and behind-the-scenes content by following us on our new Instagram account –@motleedsnews