Dermot Gallagher baffled by Leeds United controversy v Bristol City
Dermot Gallagher was left baffled live on air by the decision not to award Leeds United a penalty against Bristol City on Friday (2 February).
Speaking on Sky Sports’ Ref Watch on Monday (5 February), the former Premier League referee said George Tanner wrapped his legs around Georginio Rutter and gets “nowhere near the ball” as he “wipes him out”.
But the referee decided on-field that the Robins’ defender hadn’t committed a foul as he waved away the 21-year-old Frenchman’s protests, with Daniel Farke’s side coming away with a 1-0 victory courtesy of a second-half strike from Willy Gnonto at Ashton Gate.
“Yes [it’s a penalty],” said Gallagher. “He wraps his legs around him. He gets nowhere near the ball. He wipes him out.”
Stonewall penalty for Leeds United
It was a pretty shocking decision from the referee as there is no doubt that Rutter was taken down as he looked to go through on goal.
It’s yet another incident where the officiating just isn’t good enough as there continues to be a lot of frustration around the standard of referees across England.
The more you watch the situation back, the harder it becomes to understand why a penalty wasn’t given, with Gallagher’s verdict backing up that it should have been a spot-kick.
It was fortunate for the Whites – and the referee – that the decision didn’t have any influence on the outcome of the game after Gnonto popped up superbly to score the winner.
The 20-year-old Italian will be hoping that goal provides him with the confidence to have a successful second of the season as he looks to nail down a spot in the starting lineup again.
In other Leeds United news, the Whites could be set for an FA Cup cash injection.
For more Leeds news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.