Leeds United v Sunderland: Don Goodman certain about contentious first-half call at Elland Road
Don Goodman is “100 per cent” certain Leeds United should have been awarded a penalty in the first half of their clash with Sunderland.
Leeds went into the interval all square at 0-0 after a disappointing first half that had few talking points – the possible penalty decision aside.
A curling Crysencio Summerville effort hit Dan Ballard on the arm, but referee Tim Robinson did not point to the spot.
Asked on Sky Sports Football [9 April, 8:54pm] if a pen should have been awarded, Goodman said: “I think 100 per cent yes.
“[Ballard] deliberately moves his elbow to the ball. That movement there has to be penalised. Sunderland are very, very lucky.
“I’m not saying Leeds deserve to have a lead, but they certainly should have had a penalty.”
Leeds United denied penalty vs Sunderland
Ballard’s arm was not in a natural position and he appeared to move it slightly, so a penalty therefore should have been awarded.
In fairness, there did not appear to be too many appeals at the time, but the replays were pretty damning.
Leeds could have done with the decision going in their favour as they struggled to get going at all in the opening 45 minutes.
While it may have seemed harsh from a Sunderland perspective, the ball ultimately hit Ballard on the arm when it was otherwise heading for the target.
It is not the first time this season a refereeing call has gone against Leeds, though, and it certainly will not be the last.
Indeed, an even worse decision followed in the second half when Luke O’Nien punched the ball inside his own box.
Let’s just hope one of these decisions does not prove decisive when it comes to totalling up the final points tally.
In other Leeds United news, Goodman has commented on talk of Kalvin Phillips possibly returning to Elland Road.
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