'We know what the law is' – Sky pundit slams ref after controversial incident for Leeds v QPR
Danny Higginbotham was unequivocal about whether the first QPR goal should have stood in the game against Leeds United this afternoon.
Nahki Wells scored after 20 minutes but replays showed that the ball hit both arms before he slotted home from close range.
Talking on the live commentary of the game (Sky Sports, Sat, 12.30pm), Higginbotham was very clear that the goal shouldn't have stood.
"Leeds United players are saying there’s a handball," Higginbotham said.
"As the ball’s going through... Well, it is handball. We know what the law is regardless of whether it’s accidental or not.
"It hits Wells’ right arm on the way through which enables him to control it and the goal should not have been given.
"Leeds can consider themselves very unfortunate and rightfully frustrated. As an attacker, if you touch the ball with your hand in the opponent's box it should be a free-kick against you."
Word came through form the officials just after half-time that the referee couldn't see through the players and didn't spot the handball.
That's all well and good and some honesty from a referee is refreshing, but he should have been in a better position.
That was the view from Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink in the Sky studio, too, too, who said, "It should have been spotted. Where the ref is standing, he should be in a better position."
Hasselbaink also thought that Leeds should have had a penalty in the first half.
"Wallace goes for the ball, he tries to tackle, he’s just too late and he hits the left foot. Anywhere else the ref would give a free-kick. He doesn’t even come close to getting the ball."
So yet more bad officiating costs Leeds but putting that aside, Leeds just weren't good enough today.
The first half was sloppy and while we looked much better in the second half, these are worrying times for Leeds. Especially with Phillips out for three games.
In other Leeds United news, Leeds handed opportunity to complete major January striker deal