Premier League Match Centre have explained the reasoning behind the decision that saw Leeds United awarded a penalty vs Liverpool.
The Premier League champions were 2-0 up at Elland Road thanks to a Hugo Ekitike brace, but the hosts were offered a route back into the game after a rash Ibrahima Konate challenge.
Konate initially escaped punishment for his slide tackle on Wilfried Gnonto, but after being told to consult the pitchside monitor, referee Anthony Taylor overturned his decision and awarded a penalty.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin converted from the spot to set up a grandstand finish in West Yorkshire. A statement from the Premier League Match Centre read: “After VAR review, the referee overturned the original decision of no penalty to Leeds United.“Referee announcement: ‘Liverpool No.5 makes a careless challenge – the ball is in play, therefore my final decision is penalty kick’.
”Manchester United legend Gary Neville felt Konate’s clumsy tackle left himself open to being punished. He said: “He sort of seems to tangle his legs with him – I’m not sure. I think he slides at the wrong angle – so clumsy from Konate.” He added: “The ball is still in there actually as well so.
He’s in trouble Konate. It’s really rash. Such an experienced player. That angle is conclusive. The angle from the other side I wasn’t sure, but that angle is conclusive. He slides right into Gnonto, and basically wipes him out.”
Liverpool’s frustration only heightened minutes later when Anton Stach completed the comeback to send Elland Road in frenzied celebrations.
However, with the home crowd sensing a famous victory could be on the cards, Liverpool countered at pace with Dominik Szoboszlai putting the Reds back in front.
