Leeds United defender Gabriel Gudmundsson and former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher
Gabriel Gudmundsson and Dermot GallagherImago and Sky Sports News on X

Dermot Gallagher reacts to Gabriel Gudmundsson controversy in Leeds-Man United - 'You run the risk...'

Pete Hanson

Pete Hanson is the Head of Editorial Standards for MOT Leeds News as part of the Breaking Media network. With a vast background in sports journalism and data analysis, Pete provides expertise in talent development, strategy planning, and new content strands for all things Leeds United. Based in Sheffield, Pete has previously worked for PA Media, Sporting News, and Stats Perform, after earning a Masters in Sports Journalism from Sheffield Hallam University.

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Gabriel Gudmundsson was caught up in controversy as Leeds United drew 1-1 with Manchester United on Sunday.

The Whites were held on home turf at Elland Road as the cross-Pennines rivals clashed in West Yorkshire.

Bryan Mbeumo side-footed the Red Devils into a half-time lead as Leeds toiled in the opening 45 minutes.

But Dominic Calvert-Lewin came up with the equaliser early in the second half, as Daniel Farke's side were much improved after the break.

Leeds wing-back Gudmundsson was booked in the first half after an incident with Adam Diallo.

And the challenge was a topic of discussion on Sky Sports News' Ref Watch segment on Monday.

What did Dermot Gallagher say about Gudmundsson incident in Leeds vs Man United?

Gudmundsson was shown a yellow card by England in the first half after catching Adam on the Achilles.

At first it looked like the Sweden international had merely pulled on the winger's shirt, before replays showed he had caught him.

Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher thinks it was "not a nice tackle" and felt Gudmundsson put himself at risk of a red card.

He said: "It's not a nice tackle. I think the fact that he’s so close, he hasn't got the speed and intensity, because he’s up there on his Achilles.

"I think if you make that challenge you run the risk of a red card all the time.”

Former Cardiff City and Sheffield Wednesday striker Jay Bothroyd reacted immediately, saying he did not think Gudmundsson was even trying to make a tackle.

"I don't think he's intentionally trying to do that," Bothroyd said.

"I think he is trying to change direction, he's too slow to put his foot down and he's put his foot on the back of his Achilles.

"But I wouldn’t call that a tackle. If they give him a red card, I’d say that's unfortunate."

Leeds United defender Gabriel Gudmundsson and former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher
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It would have been an extremely harsh decision to send Gudmundsson off for what was an accident really.

But, speaking more broadly, Leeds will definitely be rueing a huge missed opportunity against their arch rivals.

Michael Carrick was, well still is, a manager under extreme pressure, and his team were in disarray going into the game.

A draw is not a bad result by any stretch of the imagination, but it felt like Man United were there for the taking.

Come the end of the season it could be an extremely valuable point, but you can't help but think the win was there for the taking.

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