Lee Hendrie instantly reacts to Leeds v Portsmouth controversy, ‘very lucky’
Leeds United go in at the break level with Portsmouth but the scoreline isn’t without its controversy.
The Whites have had very few chances in the opening 45 minutes with John Mousinho’s side doing well to keep the Championship leaders at bay.
Pompey have looked dangerous on the break and that is something Daniel Farke must address during the interval if his side are going to secure three points.
With that being said, there is a case to suggest his side should have had a chance to go in front after one moment left Lee Hendrie shocked at Fratton Park.
Hendrie reacts to Leeds United penalty shout v Portsmouth
It has been far from a dream first half for the travelling side with precious few chances falling the way of either side.
Joel Piroe had a superb chance with 38 minutes gone but a double save from Nicolas Schmid was enough to keep the scores level.
Regardless of this opportunity, there is every reason for Farke to raise complaints that his side should have had a penalty earlier in the day.
Matt Richie looked to clear the ball but in doing so took out Dan James with little to no contact on the ball inside the area.
It is safe to say that Hendrie believed the decision of no penalty was incorrect as he reacted live on Sky Sports Football (9 March, 12:10pm).
He said: “Is there a swipe out here? I tell you what, Ritchie is very, very lucky by the way. Rob Jones has got a really good view of that. For me, I think that’s a penalty, I really do.”
Leeds United get unlucky in first half v Portsmouth
It is fair to say that the Whites should have had an early penalty at Fratton Park, a moment which could ultimately impact the full-time result.
It is clear to see that Ritchie has kicked through James and had taken the Wales international down inside the 12-yard box.
Somehow this wasn’t given by referee Jones despite having a positive view of the incident but unfortunately Leeds have to move on.
| Stat | Portsmouth | Leeds United |
| Possession (%) | 38 | 62 |
| Expected goals | 0.12 | 0.85 |
| Big chances | 0 | 1 |
| Total passes | 112 | 205 |
They so nearly did so in perfect fashion when Piroe had the chance to open the scoring but the Dutchman was unable to get past Schmid.
The Austrian’s double save was superb and meant the scoreline remained goalless at the break but it is fair to say it probably shouldn’t be that way.