Keith Hackett analyses footage of Leeds vs Newcastle controversy, disagrees with VAR decision

Leeds United should have had a first-half penalty in their 4-1 win against Newcastle United, according to Keith Hackett.

Inside the opening minute, as Newcastle cleared a corner kick, the ball struck the arm of Matias Fernandez-Pardo in the penalty area.

The whole of Elland Road and almost every Leeds player claimed it, but referee Michael Salisbury was unmoved by the appeals and blew up moments later for a foul in Newcastle's favour.

Ethan Ampadu spoke to Salisbury, but his decision was backed up by VAR John Brooks.

Replays showed that the ball bounced up and hit Fernandez-Pardo's outstretched arm, so while it might have been accidental, his arm was arguably outside of a natural position.

However, the Premier League's official announcement suggested different.

Premier League Match Centre clarify decision - but Keith Hackett disagrees

During the first half, the Premier League Match Centre account on X reported why a penalty wasn't awarded to Leeds.

Salisbury was quoted as saying "it's not intentional", to which Brooks agreed, replying: "...the ball just bounces up and inadvertently hits the arm of the defender."

Hackett, however, thinks that the fact Fernandez-Pardo's arm was raised makes this a contender for a handball and a penalty kick.

"The Newcastle United player has his arm outstretched and I would suggest not in a natural position," Hackett told MOT Leeds News.

"He is looking at the ball when there is deliberate contact.

"In my opinion, contact was avoidable, so I believe that Leeds United are unlucky not to be awarded a penalty kick here."

Why VAR controversy disappeared into background

Genuinely, does any Leeds fan even remember this?

It happened in the first minute and before even the half-time whistle was blown, the Whites were 3-0 ahead.

Ao Tanaka's deflected shot went in and was awarded as a Lewis Miley own goal before Dominic Calvert-Lewin saw a goal of his given to Jayden Bogle before he netted another of his own.

Noah Okafor then added a fourth in the second half.

It was a barnstorming display by Daniel Farke's men, who are absolutely flying now and look well on their way to securing a solid top-half position in the Premier League.

Next up for Leeds is a home game against struggling Crystal Palace on Sunday before a three-week gap before they head to London to play reigning Premier League champions Arsenal on 10 October.