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."
