Sunderland won 1-0 at Leeds despite Habib Diarra’s controversial second-half penalty denying Daniel Farke’s side a first-half spot-kick, a decision that was heavily criticized by former players.
The Black Cats’ highly controversial win leaves Leeds just six points above the drop zone, with most of their relegation rivals having games in hand.
Diarra’s penalty in the 70th minute gave Sunderland 40 points, but the penalty was awarded after referee Stuart Attwell was sent to the pitchside monitor by VAR for handballing Leeds captain Ethan Ampadu when blocking Wilson Isidore’s shot.
Ethan Ampadu concedes penalty for handball against Sunderland
Attwell judged Ampadu’s actions were “deliberate”, but former Tottenham captain Michael Dawson described the decision on Soccer Special as “very harsh”, adding: “I don’t know what to do with his arm.”
Leeds’ anger at the decision was compounded by VAR opting not to intervene when Leeds defender Pascal Strujk was tackled to the floor by Sunderland’s Luke O’Nien in a corner early in the game.
Dawson said: “I think Leeds should have been awarded a penalty. Strujk had his arm around his neck. I can’t believe VAR didn’t intervene.”
Former Leeds striker Jermaine Beckford was also baffled by the decision.
He told TNT Sports: “I’m very confused as to why the referee and the VAR official didn’t give a penalty. It’s been clear since the morning. They put their arms around his neck and pulled him to the ground. How could that not be a penalty? It’s totally embarrassing.”
Sky Sports News understands that the incident involving Strujk and O’Nien was examined by VAR, but it was deemed that no obvious error had occurred.
Jayden Bogle and Ethan Ampadu scold referee Stuart Attwell
Additionally, in the 64th minute, Joe Rodon’s header from Anton Stach’s free kick was disallowed for offside, and Leeds were denied the lead in the second half as a result of VAR.
Diarra’s winning penalty was Sunderland’s only shot on target at Elland Road, moving them up to 11th place after a nine-game winless away league campaign.
However, it was a disappointing night for Leeds as Xhaka Buyol missed two late chances, meaning the Whites remain in 15th place and in a desperate situation.
