Leeds United: Lee Hendrie reacts instantly to Daniel James penalty controversy v Stoke
Lee Hendrie believes Dan James should have been awarded a penalty in the first half of the Leeds United 1-0 win against Stoke City on Tuesday (5 March).
Speaking on Sky Sports News on Tuesday (08:06pm), the pundit said it was a stonewall penalty for a foul by the Potters keeper Daniel Iversen after catching the Welsh international when he closed him down inside the box.
He noted how the 26-year-old winger just got a touch on the ball first, adding that the away side were “very lucky” as the Danish stopper didn’t get any of the ball before the referee waved away the appeals.
“They should have had a penalty, there’s no doubt for me,” said Hendrie. “It was just down to Dan James just chasing the ball in here. He just gets a nick away from Daniel Iversen in goal and I tell you what, they’re very lucky because it’s a big touch and he doesn’t get any of the ball.
“He just cleans him out. It’s a penalty, it’s a stonewaller. Oliver Langford is literally situated there.”
Leeds United should’ve had clear penalty against Stoke City
It was yet another incident to remind us how poor the officiating can be in the Championship as Leeds were denied what was a clear penalty.
The referee was in a good position to see what happened, but somehow he came to the conclusion that the keeper hadn’t fouled James despite the replays showing he didn’t get any of the ball.
Even if he didn’t get a clear view of the situation, then the linesman should’ve been able to see what happened, but they don’t get involved anywhere near as much as they should.
It feels like the standard of officiating has dropped off massively this year and it’s not good enough when these decisions could play a major role in results.
The Welshman, who returned to the starting lineup against Stoke, did well to pick himself up and keep going as he put the Whites ahead just beyond the half-hour mark at Elland Road.
In other Leeds United news, footage has emerged of what one Whites star did in a controversial incident against Huddersfield.
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