Dermot Gallagher drops verdict on Junior Firpo red card controversy from Leeds United draw v Newcastle United live on Sky Sports
Dermot Gallagher believes Junior Firpo was “lucky” not to be sent off for a tackle on Bruno Guimaraes in Leeds United’s 2-2 draw with Newcastle.
The Spaniard was shown a yellow card for a high tackle in the second-half, before eventually being sent off at the end of the game for a push on Anthony Gordon which resulted in a second yellow card.
And while appearing on Sky Sports News’ Ref Watch (15 May, 11:51) Gallagher admitted that the lack of full-on contact in the tackle “saves him” from getting a red card earlier than he actually did.
“He had a tough morning this referee, this was a tough game to referee,” he said. “There’s no doubt he got the big decisions right.
“I think he’s lucky so much as he catches him with his shin rather than his studs, and that’s what saves him. His legs actually go between his opponents legs and he doesn’t catch him full on.”
When asked whether the decision for the second yellow on Gordon was correct, Gallagher was clear that it was the right call.
“No arguments. It’s a clear foul, pushes him in the back and a second yellow card because he was already on a yellow card and he makes no attempt to play the ball.”
Shocker
Firpo’s form greatly improved once Javi Gracia replaced Jesse Marsch as manager in the first few games, but he’s gone back to the player we’re used to now.
The performance against Newcastle United was arguably one of the worst individual performances from any Leeds player in recent memory.
He started well by winning a penalty under a challenge from Joelinton, but he helped cause the penalty for Newcastle by being out of position, could have been sent off for the tackle on Guimaraes, then gave away a penalty with an absolutely stupid handball, before then being sent off anyway.
He won’t be available for the crunch game with West Ham where our bid for survival could come to an end, and it’s probably a good thing at this point.
Whether we stay up or go down, Firpo simply isn’t good enough to be playing for Leeds and he has to be let go in the summer transfer window at the earliest opportunity.
In other Leeds news, 13-time league champions are seriously considering an offer for one Elland Road star.