Leeds United: Dermot Gallagher shares ‘luck’ view on incident in win v Millwall at Elland Road
Dermot Gallagher believes Leeds United should have been awarded a penalty against Millwall for the incident involving Joe Rodon.
Jake Cooper clattered into Rodon in the penalty area shortly before half-time in Sunday’s (17 March) contest, with Leeds a goal to the good at that point.
Referee Stephen Martin did not point to the spot, much to the fury of United’s players, although it mattered little as they went on to win 2-0.
Reviewing the incident on Sky Sports News [18 March, 11:52am], ex-Premier League referee Gallagher said: “I think it should be a penalty.
“He clatters into Rodon. He does get a touch on the ball, but I think that’s more by luck than judgement. I just can’t see how you can do that.”
Leeds United beat Millwall to go top of Championship
Cooper’s knee caught Rodon in the face, which says it all about how reckless this challenge was – even if he did get a touch of the ball.
The Millwall defender was already on a yellow card, so Millwall were well and truly let off by the referee’s leniency at Elland Road.
Had the visitors managed to snatch a point in the second half, this would have been far more of a talking point at full-time.
As it is, Daniel James added to Wilfried Gnonto’s opener and Leeds picked up the two-goal win that takes them top of the table.
Refereeing decisions have already cost Leeds this season, but thankfully that was not the case on this occasion.
Daniel Farke’s men – those not on international duty, at least – can now rest up ahead of the trip to Watford on 29 March.
In other Leeds United news, an international manager has made a “100 per cent” prediction about a Whites regular after what he has seen this season.
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.