Why Gabriel Gudmundsson was 'saved' from three-match ban in Leeds vs Man United
Gabriel Gudmundsson may be counting his lucky stars that he wasn't sent off in Leeds United's draw against Manchester United on Sunday.
The Whites drew 1-1 with the Red Devils at Elland Road at the weekend, earning another positive result in the Premier League.
Bryan Mbeumo silenced the Elland Road faithful in the second half, before Dominic Calvert-Lewin's goal saved the day yet again.
Daniel Farke has revealed that he is disappointed that his team didn't go on to win all three points, while the draw may have spared Michael Carrick his job for one more week.
There were plenty of flashpoints full of controversy in the match, but a fiery contest was always expected in LS11.
One of the more controversial moments in the game was Gudmundsson's challenge on Andrey Santos, as Leeds may now feel they were lucky that they were able to see the game out with 11 men on the field.
Ex-Premier League official weighs in on Gabriel Gudmundsson incident
Bruno Fernandes was the first player to go into the book in the 17th minute after the midfielder caught Tarik Muharemovic late.
Two minutes later, Gudmundsson made contact with the back of Santos' foot, with calls from Man United for a straight red card.
Had referee Darren England handed the Sweden international a straight red, he would have been unavailable to Leeds for their next three games.
Former Premier League assistant referee Darren Cann weighed in on the incident, explaining what might have actually saved Gudmundsson from dismissal.
Cann said, as quoted by BBC Sport: "Gudmundsson made a very risky challenge on Santos. His tackle had similarities with Ryan Sessegnon's red card for Fulham on Saturday, with both players making contact with their studs on the back of the calf/Achilles of their opponents.
"Gudmundsson could also have easily seen red instead of the yellow card he received. I think what saved him was that there was a little less intensity in his challenge; however, he could've had no complaints had a red card been shown."
Gudmundsson was sent off for the Whites last season after he was shown a second yellow card in a 0-0 draw at Selhurst Park against Crystal Palace.
He clearly can be a loose cannon at times.
Was Leeds vs Man United officiated well?
If anything, Man United will feel like the result suits them better.
That just shows how far the Red Devils have fallen since earlier in the 21st century when the Whites played them.
However, England gave 16 fouls in the way of the visitors, while Leeds were only handed five free kicks.
Perhaps Farke would have made more of an argument against the referee, but may stay tight-lipped after Gudmundsson's near-red card.
Overall, the England officiated the game okay, and VAR didn't have too many big moments to mess up.