Ex-Premier League referee questions ‘massive’ decision during Leeds United vs Aston Villa

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Dermot Gallagher has issued his verdict on the decisions during Leeds United vs Aston Villa.

Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher has given his thoughts on the refereeing during Aston Villa’s away draw with Leeds United.

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In the lead up to the game, Villa would have settled for an away draw, hit with injury issues aplenty in the lead up to the game.

But Villa created plenty of chances, with the home side going down to 10 men just minutes into the second half, and Steven Gerrard’s men will have been disappointed not to take all three points.

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The officiating att Elland Road caused plenty of frstration amid claims Villa wasted time in a bid to overcome their injury issues.

Though, Gerrard hit back at Leeds boss Jesse Marsch by claiming the home side also did their fair share of time wasting after going down to 10 men.

Meanwhile, Villa were unlucky not to get a penalty when Tyrone Mings was hauled down by Liam Cooper in the Leeds box.

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And former Premier League referee Gallagher agrees with that sentiment, telling Sky Sports News: “That’s a massive risk to do that, why you’d take that chance. If his challenge isn’t seen, and that one is, if the VAR sent the referee over to the review monitor, I think they might recommend a penalty.

“If he gets a penalty given against him, I don’t think he’s got much argument about it.”

 Luis Sinisterra of Leeds United makes their way off after being shown a red card during the Premier League match (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images) Luis Sinisterra of Leeds United makes their way off after being shown a red card during the Premier League match (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
Luis Sinisterra of Leeds United makes their way off after being shown a red card during the Premier League match (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The other key decision in the game was Stuart Attwell’s call to dismiss Luis Sinisterra just minutes after half-time, giving the Colombian his second yellow card.

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“Why give the referee the opportunity? You’re on a yellow card, you’re just asking them to make a decision,” Gallagher added. “The only decision he can make there is a yellow card, he’s got nowhere else to go.

“You’re sent off on the halfway line with very little danger, and he’s paid a very, very heavy price. He’s given the referee no option.”

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