Leeds United to fume at what Dermot Gallagher said about Blackburn controversy
Tyrhys Dolan was at the very centre of a controversial moment as Leeds United lost 1-0 to Blackburn Rovers on Saturday.
The 22-year-old was one of the brightest sparks on the pitch, helping his team to all three points against Daniel Farke’s side on 30 November, with a Todd Cantwell penalty the only goal.
However, many of the travelling support at Ewood Park will argue that Dolan should not have been on the pitch for the final 30 minutes following a studs-up challenge on Junior Firpo.
The foul caused outrage amongst the fans, with referee Lewis Smith eventually handing out a yellow card to the attacker, but many have been left frustrated by the decision still three days later.
Speaking on Sky Sports’ Ref Watch, quoted by LeedsLive, Dermot Gallagher said: “If he had been [sent off], I don’t think he could complain too much. I wonder if the referee thinks that he hasn’t gone in like that. Could easily be a red card. And if he had got a red card, couldn’t complain too much.”
Tyrhys Dolan controversy backfires in Leeds United defeat
Having lost all three points at Ewood Park, knowing that the referee made the wrong decision on Dolan’s challenge will do absolutely nothing for Farke and his players.
Leeds are desperately aiming to secure promotion back to the Premier League, having missed out narrowly last term, and this was an unexpected blow for the Whites.
They were atop the Championship table before the clash, with Sheffield United, Burnley and Sunderland trading places each week, but Farke’s side have fallen to third because of the loss.
Of course, it is good to know that common sense prevailed for a former Premier League match official like Gallagher, but it is far too little too late for the Whites.
All this does is raise more questions about the state of officiating in the Championship. It is absurd how Dolan was not sent off for the challenge with the referee in such a good position.
In other Leeds United news, Leeds fans could get the last laugh over Wayne Rooney as news emerges from Plymouth Argyle today.
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