BBC pundit shares whether Leeds United should have had a penalty in defeat to Burnley

Add as preferred source on Google

Leeds United endured a frustrating return to action with a 1-0 defeat to Burnley.

In what was an extremely dour affair, Leeds really struggled to create anything in the way of clear-cut chances in what was a worryingly similar performance to so many of their defeats last season.

Mateo Joseph should’ve put Leeds ahead inside the opening minute after darting through on goal from halfway, but scuffed a poor effort wide of the post.

Burnley were then able to take the lead just before the 20th minute as Luca Koleosho pounced on a Manor Solomon slip to run over 50 yards and finish past Illan Meslier.

Wilfried Gnonto had Leeds’ only other real chance of the game but it was the second half display that should have Daniel Farke worried given how slow and pedestrian it was.

• READ MORE: 19-year-old continues brilliant start to season for Leeds United U21s with yet another goal vs Charlton

Aidy White delivers verdict on Leeds penalty appeal

Something that left Leeds fans frustrated about the defeat at Elland Road was the performance of the referee, who failed to stamp down on Burnley’s time wasting tactics.

And Leeds also had a major penalty appeal in the first half when Manor Solomon looked as though he was through on goal.

However, former Leeds target Joe Worrall put in a last-ditch tackle from behind which prevented Solomon from getting his shot away, with the referee instead giving a corner.

Speaking on BBC Radio Leeds, Aidy White gave his verdict on the decision and actually believes the referee made the right call.

He said: “Just looking back at replay, Joe Worrall definitely comes from behind, but he just gets the ball. Maybe the referee does make right call, but it’s a brave tackle to make.”

• READ MORE: Jaidon Anthony shares what Leeds United fans still do ‘to this day’ that he absolutely loves

Leeds have bigger things to worry about

It is a decision which certainly could have gone Leeds’ way on another day, but Farke has to look in-house as to why his side lost.

Even in stoppage time, Leeds were simply too happy to just play safe, sideward passing between them, which was so easy to defend for Burnley.

There was a serious lack of tempo and intensity in their passing and against a side happy to sit in and defend, it is little wonder why they created so little.

A midfield pairing of Ethan Ampadu and Ilia Gruev – particularly at home – cannot continue for much longer in matches like that.