Former Premier League referee Keith Hackett believes that Leeds United should have had a penalty in their 1-1 draw against Southampton. There were strong claims from the Whites after Joe Gelhardt appeared to be fouled in the final few minutes of the game at Elland Road.
This was all after Jack Harrison gave the Whites the lead, bundling the ball home from close-range, before James Ward-Prowse equalised with a delightful free-kick. It was a result that moved Leeds eight points clear of the relegation zone, leaving them in 16th place.
However, it could have been a different outcome if the Whites were awarded a penalty in the dying moments. Although the on-field referee didn't give it, VAR could have gone and had a second look, but it wasn't checked as the Whites were left frustrated by not getting given the decision.
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There was some controversy about the foul leading to Ward-Prowse's strike after Kyle Walker-Peters was brought down by Luke Ayling, before the England international stuck the ball into the top corner. But, in relation to Gelhardt's penalty call, Hackett thinks Leeds were unjust not be given a spot-kick.
"That’s a penalty," he told MOT Leeds News. "Player has bodychecked him, it’s a foul, so it’s a penalty kick. That’s a bodycheck by the player, great angle and that’s a penalty kick. He’s gone across him, it’s a penalty, definite. At the end of the day, that is why we have VAR."
