Leeds United: Dermot Gallagher reacts live on Sky Sports to controversy vs Blackburn Rovers
Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher believes Leeds United were correctly denied a penalty in their 1-0 loss to Blackburn Rovers.
A late Sammie Szmodics goal settled Saturday’s (13 April) contest at Elland Road as Leeds’ automatic promotion hopes were dented.
Leeds had a couple of penalty appeals rejected, including right at the end when Patrick Bamford felt he was dragged to the ground.
However, speaking on Sky Sports News [15 April, 11:52am], Gallagher said: “I don’t think that’s a penalty. I don’t think there’s enough contact.”
Leeds United on end of contentious refereeing decisions
Everyone inside Elland Road – even those in the away end – were surely waiting for the referee to point to the spot when Bamford went down.
James Bell’s decision not to award a spot-kick infuriated the Leeds staff, with coach Christopher John issued a yellow card for his reaction.
It was a massive call given that the point Leeds would have rescued had the pen been converted could prove all the difference this season.
Leeds have now had numerous decisions go against them of late, none more so than in the goalless draw with Sunderland last week.
United should have had two pens that day but ended up with none and drew 0-0.
If the Whites do not go up, it will be easy to point the finger of blame at certain players. But some of these decisions must also be taken into account.
In other Leeds United news, Ilia Gruev could be the weak link following the emergence of a telling stat after the loss to Blackburn.
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