Lee Hendrie believes Dan James should have been awarded a penalty in the first half of Leeds United’s 1-0 victory over Stoke City on Tuesday (5 March).
Speaking on Sky Sports News on Tuesday (08:06pm), the analyst stated that it was a stonewall penalty for a foul committed by Potters goalie Daniel Iversen after catching the Welsh international inside the box.
He highlighted that the 26-year-old winger was the first to get a touch on the ball, and that the away team was “very lucky” because the Danish goalkeeper did not grab any of the ball before the referee waved away the pleas.
“They should have had a penalty, there’s no doubt for me,” Hendrie remarked. “It was only up to Dan James to chase the ball in here. He just gets a nick away from Daniel Iversen in goal, and they are quite fortunate because it is a big touch and he does not receive any of the ball.
“He simply cleans him out. It’s a penalty and a stonewaller. Oliver Langford is literally located there.
Leeds United should have gotten a clean penalty against Stoke City.
Leeds were denied what appeared to be a simple penalty, reminding us once again of how terrible officiating can be in the Championship.
The referee was in a good position to see what happened, yet he somehow concluded that the keeper had not fouled James, despite the fact that the replays showed he had not touched the ball.
Even if he didn’t have a clear view of the event, the linesman should have seen what happened, but they don’t get involved nearly enough.
The caliber of officiating appears to have slipped dramatically this year, which is unacceptable given that these judgments could have a significant impact on outcomes.
The Welshman, who returned to the starting lineup against Stoke, did well to pick himself up and keep going, putting the Whites ahead soon after half-time at Elland Road.
