Shay Given says Gabriel Gudmundsson and Leeds controversy was worse than actual red card
Shay Given believes Gabriel Gudmundsson was lucky to have stayed on the pitch in Leeds' draw against Manchester United.
The Whites drew 1-1 with the Red Devils at Elland Road on Sunday, in what was always guaranteed to be a fiery affair.
Bryan Mbeumo put the visitors ahead before the break after he got the better of James Justin to sweep in and finish past James Trafford.
Daniel Farke's side responded well in the second half as talisman Dominic Calvert-Lewin combined with Tarik Muharemovic to score his fourth Premier League goal of the season.
The result has put the Whites up to seventh in the Premier League, with the ambition at Elland Road to qualify for Europe this season.
However, Leeds may feel lucky that Gudmundsson stayed on the pitch, as Given believes the left-wing back deserved more than just a yellow card.
Shay Given offers honest take on Gabriel Gudmundsson incident vs Man United
Gudmundsson has been a key player for Farke since joining the Whites last summer, and will be hoping to continue developing in LS11 this term.
The Sweden international has started in five Premier League games for Leeds this season, and picked up his first assist of the campaign in the away defeat to Arsenal.
Though Gudmundsson has been widely praised for his performance against Man United, he could have been given a red card by Darren England for a challenge on Andrey Santos in the 19th minute.
While speaking on BBC's Match of the Day, Given alluded to Ryan Sessegnon's sending off for Fulham on Saturday, making the point that Gudmundsson's challenge was even worse.
Given said: "I think we all agree it is a poor challenge from Sessegnon. I think he is trying to trip him, but he gets it wrong, and he goes down the back of the Achilles, so it’s a red card.
"Gudmundsson on Santos, I think this is even worse, if I’m being honest. And this is the early part of the first half as well. He’s got time to stop and watch for the ball as well. He’s nowhere near the ball, and for me it’s a dangerous tackle."
Gudmundsson has been sent off previously for Leeds, so the Elland Road faithful most likely held their breath as England reached for his pocket.
What Leeds already know will happen if they ever lose Gudmundsson
Gudmundsson has given Leeds fans a couple of injury scares already, whether that be playing for the Whites or away on international duty with Sweden.
The 27-year-old was also linked with a move to Chelsea earlier this year, but was quick to shut down rumours, insisting that he is happy at Elland Road.
Melvin Bard was signed on loan from French side Nice in the summer to support the left-wing back, but didn't exactly reassure in either of his two performances for far for the Whites.
Leeds know that they will instantly be looked at as a weaker side if Gudmundsson were to get injured or suspended in the future, particularly because of the lack of quality that they have in support of the wing-back.