Leeds United secured a fifth consecutive Championship win on Friday at Bristol City as Willy Gnonto scored the only goal of the game – but Dermot Gallagher said the referee made a massive mistake.
It was a 1-0 win that was largely comfortable, other than Illan Meslier making a crucial one-on-one stop. Leeds were good value for their win – with Gnonto planting a left-footed effort into the back of the net.
The win saw Leeds go second in the Championship table, until Saturday. Preston’s win over Ipswich on Saturday saw Leeds retain third come the end of the weekend’s games. Southampton, sit second place.
But Leeds should have had a penalty. A move that included Cree Summerville and Georginio Rutter saw the ball fall into Patrick Bamford’s path. His flick into Rutter looked like the Frenchman would score.
However, George Tanner took Rutter out with replays showing he didn’t get the ball, around eight yards out. Referee Stephen Martin waved play on despite claims for a penalty. Gallagher says he got it wrong.
Gallagher told Sky Sports: “He wraps his leg around him. Nowhere near the ball. As I say many, many times, the ball’s the clue. Make a challenge like this, you’ve got to get the ball. But just wipes him out.”
Dermot Gallagher says Leeds should have had penalty on Friday
It was a no-brainer at the time and remains a no-brainer – and even more so – with every replay shown. Rutter is wiped out just as he is about to shoo. Given the close proximity to goal, he’ll probably score.
Leeds have had a number of decisions go against us this season, like the handball that led to West Brom’s equaliser or a penalty on Dan James at Rotherham. This is another one to add to that list.
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