Leeds were beaten 1-0 by QPR on Saturday, but they can count themselves a little unlucky to come away from west London without any points.
United conceded after 20 minutes, and frustratingly, Nahki Wells’ strike appeared to come courtesy of a handball.
Unfortunately, the referee didn’t see it, but the commentators on Sky Sports certainly saw it, and they gave their verdict on the controversial incident.
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What’s been said then?
Danny Higginbotham was quick to react to the incident.
“It is handball, we know what the law is. Regardless of whether it’s accidental or not, it hits Wells’ right arm on the way through, which enables him to control it and the goal should not be given,” he said on Sky Sports’ coverage of QPR vs Leeds (18/1/20 12:50 pm).
“Leeds can count themselves very unfortunate and rightly frustrated as well.
“Defensively, you can get away with it, but as an attacker in the opposition box if you touch the ball with your hand it will be a free-kick given against you, and that should have been the case. It wasn’t and QPR are 1-0 up.”
Obvious
The most annoying part of this is how obvious this was to the pundit.
Wells didn’t only handle it with his right arm, it also came off his left, and before United knew anything about it they were 1-0 down.
It was a handball under the new rules, and the only explanation for this not being given is that both the referee and his assistant missed it.
If VAR was implemented in the Championship this would certainly have been spotted and ruled out. If this result ends up costing United promotion at the end of the season then they will have every right to be fuming.
In other news, Phil Hay has revealed that one Leeds target has already been training at Thorp Arch this week.