Going into Monday night’s game, Leeds United fans were just expecting a good result to kick off their Premier League campaign. But what they got was much better than they expected.
A win and three crucial points against an established Everton team. The home crowd was behind the team every step of the way during the 1-0 win. Leeds would have hoped they scored more goals to kill off the game, but the general finishing was poor.
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The major talking point from the game was when a penalty was given to the home side. Everton captain James Tarkowski was deemed to have handled the ball in the box. The penalty was checked and given by the VAR. Lukas Nmecha was on hand to score from the spot, and give the Whites their first win of the season.
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Alan Shearer and Micah Richards debate Leeds United penalty incident
Credit: Imago
The decision was hotly contested after the game, with players, fans and pundits alike involved. Everton boss David Moyes was furious with the decision that cost his team. Former Premier League stars Alan Shearer and Micah Richards discussed what happened in the game on The Rest is Football podcast.
“He said since when has leaning been a punishable defence. It’s down by his side,
“I just think the handball law is an absolute sh**show, it is a shambles.
“They have tried so many things that have just not worked. It’s simple, deliberate or not? Simple as that.”
Richards agreed with Shearer, saying it was not a penalty. The former Manchester City defender then said that the Elland Road crowd could have played a factor in the decision.
“Nonsense, everything you said Alan. It’s not a penalty, if you’re giving that as a penalty, you’re giving penalties every single week. If the ball is coming to you, you have to lean; his arm is in a natural position.
“I agree that it’s hard for referees and he took a fraction longer because he was thinking about it. Maybe the crowd had something to do with it. I don’t blame the referee. But that cannot be a handball,” he said.
Leeds United have three crucial points in the bag, which will be important – as their next game is against Arsenal.
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