Micah Richards shares verdict on controversial incident from Leeds United FA Cup clash v Fulham
Micah Richards believes the decision to rule out Georginio Rutter’s first Leeds goal against Fulham was soft, and blamed Harry Wilson for being “theatrical”.
The Whites were eliminated from the competition following a 2-0 defeat, but should have had the lead when Rutter scored in the first-half only for the referee to rule it out for a push by Weston McKennie in the build-up.
But replays showed the contact was minimal and Richards, speaking on BBC One (28 February) believed it was the reaction of Wilson that made the referee blow his whistle.
“I think it’s soft. I agree,” he said, as quoted by Leeds-Live.
“The referee makes a decision, he sees a little push. I think he’s got to give it just because of the reaction of [Harry] Wilson. When he goes down he’s theatrical.”
When Beckford asked if the referee blew the whistle too soon, Richards replied: “Maybe, but I don’t think if it goes to VAR they overturn it. I really don’t but I do think it’s soft but I think it’s the reaction of Wilson that made it.”
Awful
Honestly, if we’re giving that as a foul now then I don’t expect to see any goals scored from set-pieces ever again.
The contact was absolutely minimal and may as well have been non-existent, but Wilson throws himself to the ground and spins on his way down as if he’s on a roller coaster.
A referee getting it wrong on his only viewing may have been acceptable because of the reaction, but to have VAR present and still get that ruled out is absolutely crazy.
The performance overall was very good from Leeds and the result was undeserved. On another day, we’d have managed to score four or five before they got their second.
But that’s football, and now our full attention must turn to surviving the drop in the Premier League. With performances like that, but some goals added in, we’ll be fine so long as referees aren’t ridiculous with their decisions.
In other Leeds news, Fabrizio Romano has shared what he’s heard about the pursuit of a Serie A star at Elland Road.
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