Premier League panel cast unanimous verdict on three Leeds United vs Crystal Palace incidents
Leeds United’s 0-0 draw with Crystal Palace has been looked back on by the Premier League’s Key Match Incidents Panel.
Three big decisions during Leeds United’s 0-0 draw against Crystal Palace have been unanimously backed by the Premier League Key Match Incidents (KMI) Panel.
Leeds rounded off their first chunk of fixtures with that goalless draw at Elland Road almost two weeks ago. The result leaves Daniel Farke’s side unbeaten from five Premier League games during the international break and they sit fifth in the table.
Having beaten Newcastle United 4-1 earlier in the week, Leeds were left a little disappointed with their inability to follow that up. But it could well have been worse for the Whites, were it not for a crucial VAR intervention.
Visitors Palace looked to have opened the scoring early in the second-half after a spell of pressure, with Tyrick Mitchell finishing beyond James Trafford. The chance came after a cross from wing-back Anan Khalaili deflected off James Justin and landed at Mitchell’s feet.
Palace celebrated their goal with the away end but following a review, it was ruled out with Khalaili adjudged to have been millimetres offside in the build-up. And the KMI Panel voted unanimously at 5:0 that VAR rightly overturned the ‘incorrect’ initial decision.
In their published judgement, the KMI Panel wrote: “The VAR intervention to disallow the goal for an offside offence against Khalaili was supported.”
Both teams also had claims for a penalty waved away by referee Adam Herczeg during the game. Elland Road called for a handball when Mitchell blocked a shot in the box but the Palace defender’s arm was by his body.
The KMI Panel voted 5:0 that Herczeg was correct not to give a penalty and VAR was right to support his decision. The panel wrote: “The no penalty decision for a potential handball offence against Mitchell was supported, with his arms in an expected position.”
Palace then had claims for a penalty waved away following a challenge from Ethan Ampadu on Daichi Kamada. Replays showed the Leeds captain got a touch on the ball in what was a brilliantly-timed tackle.
The KMI panel agreed 5:0. In their findings they wrote: “The referee's call of no penalty was supported with Ampadu winning the ball.”