Dermot Gallagher reacts to Leeds United controversy live on Sky Sports
Dermott Gallagher sent the Sky Sports studio into a fit of laughter as he gave his one-word response to the Leeds United incident involving Patrick Bamford on Saturday 10 February.
The 30-year-old striker gave the Whites the lead against Rotherham United after just 10 minutes, but from the replays, it appeared that he had used his elbow to score the goal.
Although the handball will have likely not affected the game, with Crysencio Summerville’s brace condemning the Millers to a 3-0 defeat, it certainly should have been chalked off.
Analysing the incident on Sky Sports’ Ref Watch on Monday (12 February), the former referee simply said: “Handball”, causing a lot of laughter in the studio.
Leeds United profit from Patrick Bamford moment
Many will say that the goal had every chance of changing the complexion of the game for Rotherham, who will have had their heads down after the opening goal.
It is more than likely that Leeds’ talent would have shone through eventually, though, with Summerville, Georginio Rutter and Wilfried Gnonto all threatening Viktor Johansson’s goal.
There will be two very obvious sides to this story. The first is sportsmanship – should Bamford have owned up to it? Possibly. But as a goalscorer, he must take every chance he comes across, even if that means breaking a rule or two.
Secondly, the referees and fourth officials are there to spot these incidents. That is what they are employed to do, and it would be difficult to blame the Leeds forward for their misjudgement. The celebration using his elbow may have been slightly overkill, but it is understandable.
Considering his poor start to the season under Daniel Farke, Bamford has finally hit a purple patch and looks revitalised at Elland Road, scoring five and assisting two more in all competitions.
In other Leeds United news, Graham Smyth has raged after “difficult” news has emerged about a Whites star.
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