Huddersfield Town, Leeds United’s last opponent, ought to have been reduced to nine men last weekend, according to former FIFA and Premier League official Chris Foy.
Only seconds before Jonathan Hogg was sent out for the Terriers following another altercation in the first half, Matty Pearson received a booking for a late tackle on Crysencio Summerville.
Foy thinks the Huddersfield center back should have been sent off for what he considers to be “serious foul play.”
At John Smith’s Stadium, the Whites proceeded to draw 1-1, with Summerville scoring in the second half.
According to Foy, who spoke with Sky Sports on March 5, Huddersfield Town’s number four challenges Leeds’ number ten without making an effort to move the ball. The challenge results in full and high contact with Leeds No. 10’s studs on the back of the calf.
The challenger is, in my opinion, extremely lucky to avoid a red card because it has no chance of playing the ball and ends at a high point of contact with enough force to jeopardize the opponent’s safety.
The last opponent of Leeds United ought to have had another player sent off.
Leeds would have most likely prevailed over Huddersfield if their opponents had been reduced to nine men following halftime.
Even with ten men on the field, the Terriers were well-drilled and difficult to break down, but one fewer man would have been too difficult to hold out.
It wasn’t ideal for Daniel Farke’s team to have to settle for a point because Southampton and Ipswich Town, their competitors for promotion, defeated Plymouth Argyle and Birmingham City, respectively. Even so, it was undoubtedly preferable to a loss for the Whites, and it was fortunate that table-toppers Leicester City also suffered a loss to QPR.
With promotions and relegations on the line at this point in the season, referees must make the right calls. Without VAR, though, it is difficult.
Leeds, who play Stoke City at home next, are currently riding high as they look to close the gap on the top two. They have not lost in their previous ten Championship games.
