Leeds United were lucky not to concede a penalty early in their FA Cup third round clash with Harrogate Town, Keith Hackett has said.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that the decision to penalise Joshua Guilavogui for impeding Josh March should have been a “simple” one.
Going into the game at Elland Road sat top of the Championship, Daniel Farke’s side will have been confident of picking up a positive result against the side 21st in the League Two table.
However, Leeds were frustrated by their visitors for much of the first half, and were seemingly fortunate not to give them a big chance to take the lead early on in the game.
Leeds United survive big penalty call vs Harrogate
With 12 minutes on the clock, March was able to latch onto possession and get in behind Guilavogui on the hosts’ right-hand side.
As the Harrogate man carried the ball into the Leeds penalty area, Guilavogui – who has largely impressed since joining in October last year – had his hand on the shoulder of his opponent as he attempted to slow his progress.
That pressure ultiamately led to March going to ground inside the box, but referee James Bell elected not to point to the spot.
Now Hackett has suggested that Leeds managed to get away with one with the penalty not being given.
Speaking to Football Insider about the incident, the former referee said:
“This is simple – it is a sustained holding offence with the defending player having his left hand over the right shoulder of his opponent. This was impeding his progress. A penalty kick should have been awarded by the referee.”
Although Farke’s side continued to apply pressure, they and the home crowd were left disappointed as they failed to find the breakthrough before the half-time whistle.
