Sport nationFormer FIFA Official Keith Hackett Slams Referee’s Decision in Leeds United’s Loss to Blackburn Rovers
Leeds United’s 1-0 loss to Blackburn Rovers on Saturday has left many fans and pundits scratching their heads, particularly when it comes to a contentious incident involving Junior Firpo and Tyrhys Dolan.
In the 62nd minute of the game, Dolan committed a studs-up challenge on Firpo, catching the Leeds United left-back high on his left shin. The incident sparked widespread outrage, with many calling for Dolan to be sent off.
However, referee Lewis Smith opted to show Dolan a yellow card instead, a decision that has been widely criticized. Among those speaking out against the decision is former FIFA official Keith Hackett, who expressed his astonishment at the leniency shown to Dolan.
“That’s red. It’s serious foul play,” Hackett said in an exclusive interview with MOT Leeds News. “He’s gone in with his left leg, it’s high. It’s right in front of the referee.”
Hackett, a former FIFA referee and PGMOL chief, was adamant that Dolan’s challenge met the criteria for a red card. “He’s launched himself, foot off the ground, caught his opponent high on the left,” Hackett explained.
“I’m amazed the referee has not issued a red card,” Hackett added, echoing the sentiments of many Leeds United fans who felt that Dolan’s challenge was reckless and deserving of a more severe punishment.
Leeds United manager Daniel Farke was also seen having a word with referee Smith after the game, and it’s clear that the German was far from happy with the decision.
Journalist Beren Cross, who was in attendance at the game, noted that Farke was visibly frustrated with the referee’s decision, while Adam Pope sensed that the Leeds United boss was still seething about the incident after the game.
While the controversy surrounding Dolan’s challenge has dominated the headlines, it’s worth noting that Leeds United’s failure to pick up all three points against Blackburn Rovers was a major disappointment for the team.
The Whites now sit third in the Championship table, three points behind leaders Sheffield United. Burnley, meanwhile, have leapfrogged Leeds United into second place after stringing together a four-game winning streak.
As for Leeds United, they will be looking to bounce back from their disappointing loss to Blackburn Rovers when they take on Derby County in their next Championship fixture.
In other Leeds United news, Crysencio Summerville has made an “absurd” admission about former Whites teammate Raphinha. For more Leeds news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.
Former FIFA official Keith Hackett has slammed referee Lewis Smith’s decision not to send off Tyrhys Dolan for his studs-up challenge on Junior Firpo during Leeds United’s 1-0 loss to Blackburn Rovers.
Hackett, a former FIFA referee and PGMOL chief, was adamant that Dolan’s challenge met the criteria for a red card, and expressed his astonishment at the leniency shown to the Blackburn Rovers player.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage, with many calling for Dolan to be banned for his reckless challenge. Leeds United manager Daniel Farke was also seen having a word with referee Smith after the game, and it’s clear that the German was far from happy with the decision.
As the controversy surrounding Dolan’s challenge continues to dominate the headlines, Leeds United will be looking to bounce back from their disappointing loss to Blackburn Rovers when they take on Derby County in their next Championship fixture.
The Whites now sit third in the Championship table, three points behind leaders Sheffield United. Burnley, meanwhile, have leapfrogged Leeds United into second place after stringing together a four-game winning streak.
With the Championship table beginning to take shape, Leeds United will be eager to get back to winning ways and maintain their push for promotion. However, the controversy surrounding Dolan’s challenge will continue to simmer in the background, with many calling for the Blackburn Rovers player to face disciplinary action.
In the world of football, controversies and debates are never far away. However, the incident involving Tyrhys Dolan and Junior Firpo has sparked a wider conversation about player safety and the need for referees to take a tougher stance on reckless challenges.
As the debate continues to rage on, one thing is clear: the safety of players must always be the top priority. Reckless challenges like the one committed by Dolan have no place in the beautiful game, and it’s up to referees and governing bodies to take a tougher stance on such incidents.
In the meantime, Leeds United will be focusing on their next Championship fixture against Derby County. The Whites will be eager to bounce back from their disappointing loss to Blackburn Rovers and maintain their push for promotion.
With the Championship table beginning to take shape, Leeds United
Sport nation