Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher believes that Kevin Friend made the wrong decision to send off Raul Jimenez in Leeds United's 3-2 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers on Friday night. The Mexican was given a second yellow card for a late challenge on Illan Meslier.
The incident proved to be a turning point in the context of the game after Wolves led 2-0 thanks to first-half goals from Jonny Otto and Francisco Trincao. However, Jimenez's 53rd-minute dismissal tipped the momentum Leeds' way and Jesse Marsch's side took full advantage of having an extra man.
Jack Harrison pulled a goal back with a neat finish, before Rodrigo levelled moments later. And the Whites completed the turnaround when Luke Ayling slotted home to cause delirium in the away end at Molineux.
READ MORE: Joleon Lescott criticises decision to send off Raul Jimenez in Leeds United's win over Wolves
But Jimenez's red card has sparked some debate amongst the footballing community given the effect it had on the game. Gallagher has delivered his verdict on the decision and claimed that Friend made the wrong cal.
He told Sky Sports: "I think it is very unlucky, the assistant gives it. He has got a sideways on view, he sees him collide late. He thinks he has gone in and tells the referee to give a second yellow card.
"The irony of it is, is that VAR can't get involved, which means it is all or nothing because he's already on the yellow card, he gets a second yellow card, he's desperately unlucky to be sent off. He's going to serve a two-match ban because he can't appeal the second yellow card. So, he didn't particularly have a good night.
"If that was a straight red card, that would've been overturned, there's no doubt whatsoever. I think it is a collision, two players are going for the ball, the goalkeeper has to go for the ball, that's his job.
"The forward has got to go for the ball because he's trying to score a goal. These things happen on football fields."
Stephen Warnock added: "I do agree with Dermot, I just think it is a ball that both parties have to go for. We often talk about being a fraction out and his timing is ever so slightly out. He tries to go for the ball, he's not malicious in the way he goes for the tackle, there's no force going into it. I just think he's very unlucky."
Another controversial decision occurred when Joao Moutinho wasn't given a red card for what looked like a high tackle on Stuart Dallas. Friend played advantage and Leeds managed to score from the same attack, which may have had an impact on VAR's decision, according to Gallagher.
He added: "I think he gets really lucky, I don't think this is a good tackle at all. He gets the ball, there's no doubt about that, but he certainly catches Dallas, he catches him high with his studs and that's the benchmark, isn't it?
"He's gone in with force and hit him with the studs. The game rolled on and it was being checked by VAR, but Leeds scored, they checked the goal and whether they lost it in the wash I don't know. He got lucky."
