Blackburn red card v Leeds missed as ex-FIFA official speaks out on Firpo moment.
Keith Hackett is amazed Tyrhys Dolan was not sent off for his foul on Junior Firpo as Blackburn Rovers beat Leeds United 1-0 on Saturday.
The left-back required treatment after being caught on his left shin with a studs-up challenge from Dolan in the 62nd minute of the game on 30 November, with the offender shown a yellow card as a result. Hackett, a former FIFA referee and PGMOL chief, was surprised that Lewis Smith, the referee, did not dish out a red card instead, having seen the incident play out right in front of him.
Blackburn red card v Leeds missed as ex-FIFA official speaks out on Firpo moment
“He’s launched himself, foot off the ground, caught his opponent high on the left.
“I’m amazed the referee has not issued a red card.”
Leeds Live journalist Beren Cross spotted Daniel Farke having a word with Smith after the game, while Adam Pope sensed frustration in the German after Dolan did not receive a rightful punishment.
Watching the footage, there is enough evidence to classify Dolan’s challenge as serious foul play, thus justifying Farke’s post-match irritation.
However, Leeds have no excuse for failing to pick up all three points at Ewood Road and missing the opportunity to go back to the top of the table.
The Whites now sit third in the table, sitting three points behind Sheffield United, who beat promotion rivals Sunderland 1-0 with 10 men at Bramall Lane on Friday [29 November].
Burnley, meanwhile, went a point above the Elland Road outfit after stringing together a four-game winning streak in the Championship.
