Everyone will have seen Patrick Bamford nonchalantly elbow in his fifth goal of 2024 on Saturday and Rotherham United boss Leam Richardson has shared what the referee told him at full-time.
Bamford, 30, continued up top for Leeds after a return to the form since the turn of the year – scoring goals against Birmingham City, Peterborough United, Norwich City and Cardiff City – all resulting in wins.
On Saturday, Bamford had missed an earlier chance before a Junior Firpo cross was flicked into the net by Bamford – his fifth goal since winning his place back in the side. But, clearly, he elbowed the ball in.
It sparked an angry reaction from Rotherham players and manager Richardson, who told the Rotherham Advertiser after the game that he spoke to ref Andy Madley, post-match. He shared what he was told.
“Andy said he didn’t want to guess. Listen, he’s a good ref. He needs help from his assistants. You’re always going to refer to the first goal. It’s a blatant handball. It’s a tough place to come to anyway.
“If you get decisions like that going against you then you’re up against it. It should have been an easy decision for the referee to disallow it. Being 1-0 up allowed Leeds to play with more freedom,” he said.
Rotherham boss spoke to ref after Patrick Bamford goal for Leeds
Of course, it should not have counted. But judging the entire 90 minutes, and our domination of the rock-bottom Championship side, Richardson cannot have much to complain about regarding the result.
Yes, it got Leeds on their way but realistically, Daniel Farke’s side will have broken the deadlock at some point. We scored two more goals after Bamford’s effort. Cree Summerville scoring twice, 15 goals so far.
The win came at the same time in which Southampton almost bottled it at home to Huddersfield, but eventually winning 5-3. Ipswich dropped points, failing to beat West Brom. Leeds looked comfortable.
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