Leeds United 3 Chelsea 1: Lee Sobot's video verdict
Former referee Dermot Gallagher has reviewed a couple of key first-half decisions during Leeds United's win over Chelsea.
Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher believes Chelsea’s Estevao should have been shown a straight red card during his side’s 3-1 defeat to Leeds United.
Estevao was booked by referee Darren England on Wednesday night for a cynical first-half foul on Gabriel Gudmundsson. The 18-year-old winger was dispossessed out on the right before taking a frustrated swipe at the Leeds defender from behind, tripping him up to stop a counter-attack.
Gudmundsson had been aggressive but fair with the Brazilian during the opening 45 minutes and signs of frustration from the Chelsea side showed with the foul. And former referee Gallagher believes Estevao, who made no attempt to play the ball, was fortunate to escape with just a booking.
“I think it’s a red card, I really do,” Gallagher told Sky Sports Ref Watch. “I don't think Estevao has any intention other than to kick him down. You can't tell me he’s gone to trip him, you can't tell me he’s gone to stop a promising attack. He’s just kicked him.”
Former Cardiff City striker Jay Bothroyd disagreed with Gallagher, however, and believes the yellow card was correct. He said: “I think the reason he’s done that is to stop a counter-attack. He has clipped his heels, there is a bit more force but I definitely don't think it should be a red card.”
Estevao’s yellow card summed up the frustration Chelsea felt during that opening 45 minutes, having been physically dominated by Leeds. Gudmundsson gave the exciting Brazilian no joy down his side while pushing him back to defend before eventually being replaced by Pedro Neto at half-time.
Dermot Gallagher verdict on Chelsea penalty claims
That booking came shortly after Chelsea saw claims for a penalty waved away at 1-0 down. Leeds were rarely cut open throughout the game but Pascal Struijk was left stretching to try and block a Liam Delap shot after the striker had found space.
Delap got a weak effort off which was comfortably collected by Lucas Perri, but in straining to make a tackle Struijk then made contact with the Blues frontman, who went to ground. Referee England waved away claims for a spot-kick for the away side and his initial decision was checked by VAR.
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“They had a quick check and waved it away,” Gallagher said of the challenge. “This is one of them that they say is the consequence of the tackle. It doesn’t put him off his shot, I don’t think it's reckless, I think it's a challenge. The feeling is if it's not a reckless challenge, which it wasn’t, it’s not a foul.”
Leeds were fully deserving of their victory on Wednesday and with it, climbed above the relegation zone. The Whites are now three points ahead of West Ham, who have a game in hand to be played at Manchester United this evening.
Daniel Farke’s side won’t have too long to enjoy their win, however, with the fixtures coming thick and fast as Christmas approaches. They host Liverpool at Elland Road on Saturday evening.
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