Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher feels Leeds United defender Junior Firpo was 'lucky' to avoid being sent off earlier in the draw with Newcastle United following a heavy challenge with Bruno Guimaraes. Gallagher has also praised Simon Hooper for getting the 'big decisions right' in the feisty encounter at Elland Road which finished in a 2-2 draw.
Firpo was initially shown a yellow card for a foul on Guimaraes in the second half, before VAR reviewed the incident for a potential red card. No further action was ultimately taken, and Gallagher feels it was the right call as the full-back did not make full contact with the Magpies midfielder.
Reviewing the foul on Sky Sports' 'Ref Watch' segment, Gallagher said: "I think he is lucky in so much as he catches him with his shin rather than his studs. That's what saves him, his legs go in between his opponent's legs, he doesn't catch him full on."
READ MORE: Junior Firpo labelled a 'liability' after Newcastle United performance for Leeds United
Firpo was at the centre of another controversial moment a short time later, with Newcastle being awarded a second penalty of the match. The full-back was penalised for a handball with his arm outstretched above his head, and a VAR review showed slight contact which led to Callum Wilson netting again from the spot to put the visitors ahead.
Dismissing the prospect of a push from Alexander Isak, Gallagher said: "I just think he handles it as it comes across, whether he panics or feels he's got a little push in the back, I don't know."
Firpo was not booked for the handball, but did receive a second yellow in added time as he brought Anthony Gordon down with a clumsy challenge outside the box. Gallagher described it as a 'clear foul, and added: "Pushed him in the back, he was already on a yellow card, he makes no attempt to play the ball."
The match proved to be a highly-charged affair, with numerous controversies on the field and Eddie Howe confronted by a supporter in the dugout. Praising the performance of referee Hooper, Gallagher said: "This was a tough game to referee. Without doubt, he got the big decisions right."
