Keith Hackett can’t get head around ‘blatant’ Leeds United vs Sunderland oversight
Keith Hackett has been left in shock over what he deems to have been a clear oversight from the officials in Leeds United’s loss to Sunderland.
In the first half against the Black Cats, Luke O’Nien wrapped his arms around the neck of Pascal Struijk, pulling the Dutchman to the floor for what looked to be an obvious penalty.
However, referee Stuart Atwell waved the offence away, and VAR would also not intervene in the decision, much to the dismay of the Whites.
Former PGMOL chief Hackett has described the situation as a “clear and obvious error”, and Leeds will no doubt feel hard done by in this instance.
Especially considering it could have changed the outcome of the eventual 1-0 loss.
What did Hackett say about the Pascal Struijk incident?
Daniel Farke’s issues with referees will likely increase tenfold following the incident at Elland Road.
After his red card against Man City, the last thing the German would have wanted is yet another controversy involving the officials.
However, against Sunderland, that ultimately ended up being what he got. The decision to not award Leeds a penalty in the first half has left many bemused, particularly former ref Hackett.
Speaking exclusively to MOT Leeds News, Hackett has shared his verdict on the incident, suggesting the referee missed a clear penalty.
Hackett said: “I am surprised that the referee took no action in this blatant holding offence.
“O’Nien wraps his arms around his opponent. I wonder what our match officials are looking at? They can replay these incidents and ensure that they come to the correct decision.
“Referees need to see, recognise, think and if the referee does not blow for the offence, VAR must act on what is a clear and obvious error.”
In the end, it proved to be a costly error, as it was the away side who would eventually take the lead at Elland Road.
- Read more: Michael Dawson was also left in shock over the incident involving Struijk, check out what he said
Why Leeds should feel more aggrieved about Struijk incident after recent example
The consistency in the Premier League will certainly frustrate Leeds even more, as a similar scenario played out just a few days prior.
At the weekend, Matheus Cunha was awarded a penalty against Crystal Palace for a foul which was much softer and did not have the hand go around the neck.
While that situation does have its differences, both incidents were holding offences, and it is safe to say that Leeds’ was perhaps more stonewall.
Overall, it seems hard to see how the referee and VAR both missed this incident, and matters were made even worse when Sunderland were awarded a penalty of their own against Leeds.
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