Leeds United were incredibly unlucky to see a controversial goal stand on Saturday afternoon after a foul on Illan Meslier.
This has been suggested by Sky Sports pundit and former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher, who has been speaking on the latest episode of Ref Watch.
It was yet another dramatic game of football involving Leeds, which saw Jesse Marsch’s side take the lead three times in north London but leave with nothing to show for their efforts.
Leeds now go into the World Cup break sitting in 15th spot of the Premier League table, but have been left feeling aggrieved after Harry Kane brought Spurs level for the first time.
Before the England captain fired home, Meslier was seemingly barged into by Clement Lenglet from the incoming corner, with the Frenchman thrown into the back of the net, but it was not noted by the referee.
Gallagher revealed his take on the decision to give the goal, saying: “I think Lenglet clearly fouls the goalkeeper, for me. The clue, for me, is the goalkeeper’s in the air, there. So I think the goalkeeper’s in there, he’s gone to play the ball, I think Lenglet goes into him. I think they’re very, very lucky to have a goal.”
TIF Thoughts on Gallagher’s comments…
We have to agree with Gallagher. We find it incredible that the referee did not give this as a foul in the first place given the protection goalkeepers typically get.
Were Leeds robbed by VAR?
Yes
No
There have been free kicks given in the favour of goalkeepers for much less than this already this season, which does leave this decision even more baffling.
And for VAR not to intervene and bring the play back for the foul is almost mind-boggling. The evidence is there to suggest Lenglet made no attempt to win the ball and prevented Meslier from getting anywhere near Ivan Perisic’s corner.