Leeds United v Sunderland: Andy Hinchcliffe amazed by ‘ridiculous’ moment at Elland Road
Andy Hinchcliffe could not believe the “ridiculous” handball from Luke O’Nien that went unpunished as Leeds United drew with Sunderland.
O’Nien appeared to punch away a cross into the box as Leeds pushed for an opener late on in Tuesday’s (9 April) goalless draw at Elland Road.
However, despite the strong protests from the home fans and players, referee Tim Robinson did not point to the spot.
Reacting to the decision live on Sky Sports Football [9 April, 9:37pm], Hinchcliffe said: “That is clearly handball. His right arm is up and he just punches the ball.
“It’s ridiculous. The referee can’t see it and can’t give it. What’s [O’Nien] thinking? That is as unnatural a position as you’re ever likely to see.”
Who was Leeds United v Sunderland referee?
In a game of very little action, referee Tim Robinson had a couple of big calls to make and got both of them wrong.
Leeds should have been awarded a penalty in the first half for a handball against Dan Ballard when blocking a Crysencio Summerville strike.
In the view of Don Goodman, that should “100 per cent” have resulted in a spot-kick being awarded for United.
If that was a certainty, what exactly was the O’Nien incident? Perhaps “200 per cent” would have covered that one.
The Sunderland defender just seemed to lose his bearings – and indeed his head – as he failed to deal with a cross into the box.
With the automatic promotion spots potentially being decided by goal difference, these two decisions could easily come back to haunt Leeds.
Daniel Farke therefore has every right to be furious at the officials, even if the Whites did gain a point on Leicester City.
In other Leeds United news, Goodman has had his say on the latest Kalvin Phillips return rumours.
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