OPINION
There are many Leeds fans who weren’t happy with the pundits Sky Sports had in to analyse the play-off semi-final first leg against Derby.
Keith Andrews compared the two benches and said it was “incredible” that Leeds had put out a bench with an average age of 19 while hailing some of the Derby subs as “game-changers”.
And Darren Bent won’t have been in their good books after a ridiculous comment about the penalty that was awarded to Derby before the referee changed his mind.
Jayden Bogle went down in the box after tangling with Jack Harrison and Craig Pawson pointed to the spot after a brief pause.
However, he then went to consult with his linesman who convinced him to award the free-kick the other way.
Liam Rosenior said that Pawson reached the right conclusion. Talking on the live coverage of the game on Sky Sports (Saturday, 5pm) he said, “Is it, isn’t it? It’s so difficult to tell. That first contact, who initiates it? It’s so hard. I think the linesman has a better view of it so you’d have to sway towards him.”
Asked if it was the right conclusion he said, “Yes.”
However, Bent had a different view on it. He said, “I don’t think it’s a penalty but I certainly don’t think there’s enough in there to overturn it.”
This is a real head-scratcher. Bent admits it’s not a penalty but then says there’s not enough to overturn it.
This isn’t VAR. The linesman – as Rosenior pointed out – had the best view of the incident. He was closest to it and was looking straight on as the two players collided.
It wasn’t a penalty. The fact that no-one could definitively decide, even with replays and slow motion, showed that.
Bogle clearly came from behind and there was no intent from Harrison who was looking to kick the ball.
These decisions are huge and can transform a club’s future. It’s crucial to get them right and that means making use of all the officials. The linesmen aren’t there for show and Bent’s comment is ridiculous.
Not a penalty? But not enough for the linesman to overturn it despite having a much clearer view? Hmm. We think Bent needs to revisit the rules of the game.