Dermot Gallagher delivers definitive verdict on controversial Leeds incident in 0-0 v Man Utd
Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher has delivered his verdict on the handball that wasn’t given for Leeds United in the 0-0 draw with rivals Man United.
The ball struck Luke Shaw on the arm and while it was checked by VAR, Leeds didn’t get a penalty.
Shaw’s arm, whether inadvertent or not, stopped the ball from getting to Helder Costa who would have had an easy finish.
Talking on The Football Show (Sky Sports, Monday, 11am) Gallagher agreed with the VAR decision.
“Well the referee thought not and we talk about referee’s on-field decisions and VAR not getting involved unnecessarily.
“I think when you see this, it comes really quickly to him, his arms are down by his side when it happens.
“The referee on-field said no and in cases like that it’s not a clear and obvious error and I’m quite happy to see the VAR leave it alone.”
Consistency
The official Leeds United Twitter account asked the same question.
And, while Luke Shaw’s arm isn’t in a completely unnatural position, it stopped a goal-scoring chance.
By contrast, Newcastle’s Callum Wilson had a late goal disallowed by VAR when the ball struck his arm – which was in a natural position – from close distance.
What’s the difference between a player who’s trying to score and a player who’s defending?
We want more goals and yet the rules of the game are deeply inconsistent and completely weighted against the attackers.
It makes no sense and we think it has to change.
In other Leeds United news, ‘Oh my god’ – Jamie Carragher delivers honest verdict on Leeds in 0-0 v Man Utd