What VAR said about Leeds United’s claims for a penalty v Spurs, Steven Gerrard convinced
Leeds United were denied an early penalty by VAR on Saturday afternoon as the two sides played out a close-fought clash amid the intense atmosphere at Elland Road.
Despite Leeds’ going without a win in the last five Premier League games, and Spurs winning their last three, Leeds made a brilliant start to the game on Saturday. Daniel Farke’s changes worked well initially.
A cross from Gabi Gudmundsson sparked a controversial early moment in the match. The Swede’s low cross into the box was blocked by Mateus Fernandes, who aimed to use his chest to block the cross.
What the VAR said about Leeds’ claims for an early penalty
But immediately, it looked like Fernandes had handled the ball – as his block ran through to goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky. Replays looked as if the fans, bellowing for a penalty, had a real case for a spot-kick.
TNT Sports commentator Darren Fletcher shared what VAR Tony Harrington had told referee John Brooks in the immediate aftermath of the incident. He chose not to suggest a review, but that it did hit his arm.
It’s not the first time that referee John Brooks has angered those of a Leeds persuasion. Daniel Farke was not happy with the man in the middle after last season’s away draw at Brentford, which ended 1-1.
Steven Gerrard thinks Leeds should have got a penalty
While it is impossible to tell if Leeds should have been awarded a penalty, and where the line between arm and shoulder begins, Gerrard believes Tottenham were lucky VAR did not give a different decision.
“What I will say, Darren, in slow motion, it doesn’t look good for Fernandes. It’s extremely close; he’s got away with one certainly. It doesn’t look like the shoulder, top of the arm. In slow motion, it looks worse.”
It will be interesting to see what Daniel Farke says to reporters after the match, and whether PGMOL comment on the decision. The more you watch the replays, the clearer it is that Fernandes handled it.