‘I can’t see how’: Dermot Gallagher says referee made big mistake during Leeds win on Sunday

During a recent Championship match at Elland Road, Leeds United secured a 2-0 victory over Millwall, a win that was not without its controversies. The match saw a contentious moment when Millwall’s Jake Cooper collided with Leeds’ Joe Rodon in the penalty area, a clash that many believed warranted a penalty. This incident was particularly significant as Cooper had already received a yellow card earlier in the game, alongside Leeds’ Willy Gnonto, in a separate altercation near the corner flag. Gnonto’s booking was seen as somewhat contentious, as Cooper appeared to pull Gnonto to the ground in an exaggerated manner.

Despite the controversy, Leeds United emerged victorious, with Gnonto scoring a decisive goal that contributed to the team’s ascent to the top of the Championship table. Dan James later solidified the win with a second goal at the 79-minute mark. With eight games remaining in the season, Leeds now sits in a prime position, even though Leicester City holds a game in hand. Following the match, Georginio Rutter of Leeds United expressed optimism about the team’s promotion prospects, and Millwall’s manager Neil Harris acknowledged that Leeds deserved the win.

However, the incident involving Cooper and Rodon remained a talking point after the match. Referee Stephen Martin, who had previously sent Rodon off in a 0-0 draw against Hull City, did not award a penalty for the collision, leaving fans and commentators puzzled. The decision was scrutinized the following Monday on Sky Sports’ Ref Watch, where former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher provided his expert opinion. Gallagher criticized the decision, stating that a penalty should have been given to Leeds. He acknowledged that while Cooper did make contact with the ball, it seemed more accidental than intentional, and the nature of the challenge was such that it should have resulted in a penalty for Leeds.

Gallagher’s exact words were: “I think it should be a penalty. He clatters into Rodon, he does get a touch on the ball, but I think that’s more by luck than judgement. I just can’t see how you can do that.” His comments reflect the confusion and frustration felt by many Leeds supporters who witnessed the incident during the game.

The debate over this particular incident underscores the ongoing discussions about the consistency and accuracy of refereeing decisions in football, especially in pivotal moments that can influence the outcome of a match and potentially a team’s season. Leeds United’s victory, while marred by the controversy, nonetheless puts them in a strong position to fight for promotion to the Premier League, with the team and fans likely to carry the momentum and confidence from this win into the remaining fixtures of the season.