Dermot Gallagher reacts to Manor Solomon controversy in Leeds United v Burnley
Dermot Gallagher thinks referee James Bell was right not to award Manor Solomon a penalty as Leeds United were beaten 1-0 by Burnley.
The Israeli winger went to ground under a challenge from Clarets defender Joe Worrall at Elland Road on Saturday (14 September) but Bell was unmoved despite the Whites’ protestations.
Speaking live on Sky Sports News’ ‘Ref Watch’ segment (16 September), former Premier League and FIFA official Gallagher thinks it was an excellent call.
“Brilliant refereeing Rob because the defender actually gets the ball,” he said.
“It looks a penalty all day long but he gets the ball. As he comes round here, he gets the ball, it’s a really, really good decision.”
Leeds United frustrated as Manor Solomon denied penalty versus Burnley
On first view it looked an absolute stonewaller and that Bell had made a huge error.
When you see the replays it does, in fairness, appear that Worrall makes contact with the ball when making the challenge.
What you could argue, and indeed many Leeds fans will argue, is that perhaps he went through Solomon in order to be able to make contact with the ball.
Ultimately, though, it did not go Leeds’ way and Daniel Farke’s side now have to lick their wounds after falling to Luca Koleosho’s solo effort at Elland Road.
There is no need to hit the panic button just yet, eight points from 15 is a decent return and Leeds have it in them to go on a lengthy run. They will have a great chance to do that on Saturday when they travel to the Welsh capital to face winless Cardiff City, it’s an opportunity they must seize.
In other Leeds United news, a move for a summer target could be back on in January.
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.