Lee Hendrie believes it would have been “harsh” to give a penalty against Millwall’s Billy Mitchell, despite Leeds United forward Georginio Rutter’s protests.
The incident occurred during the first half of Sunday’s (17 March) match at Elland Road, when Rutter’s edge-of-the-box shot looked to strike the visiting midfielder’s arm.
Reacting live to the incident as a co-commentator for Sky Sports’ coverage of the game, prominent pundit Hendrie believes it was a justified yell that went unheard.
“They wanted a penalty, didn’t they?” Henrie said, “Brilliant play again, Summerville; Rutter’s just appealing for that.”
“I don’t think it is, it’s just a turn of the back it would have been a harsh one if it was given but, he can’t see a single thing, yes his back’s away from goal, his arm’s high and wide (but it’s not a penalty).”
Leeds went on to win 2-0 and move to the top of the Championship, level on points with Leicester City.
Leeds United ace Georginio Rutter refused penalty against Millwall.
There were plenty of flashpoints in a blood-and-thunder match at Elland Road between two clubs who despise one other, and Leeds will be unhappy with numerous decisions made on the day.
But, to be honest, they didn’t have much reason to be upset about this. The ball most likely struck Mitchell’s arm, but he was racing out to stop the shot and had little knowledge of what had happened.
To be fair, the Leeds players did not make many wild appeals, with Rutter possibly the only one pleading for a spot kick to be awarded, but there was nothing to be done.
Leeds took the lead shortly after, thanks to Wilfried Gnonto’s magnificent left-foot shot from 25 yards, which brought Elland Road to its feet in appreciation of an absolutely fantastic moment in front of a noisy crowd.
