Dermot Gallagher verdict on double Nottingham Forest vs Leeds United red card claims
Players from Leeds United and Nottingham Forest were both booked for late challenges.
Leeds United striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin was ‘saved’ from a red card by not making clear contact with James McAtee during a first-half clash on Saturday.
Calvert-Lewin was shown a yellow card after 32 minutes of Saturday’s 1-0 win at the City Ground following a coming together with McAtee. The Leeds frontman’s leading foot was at shin-height and extended but no contact was made.
Referee Rob Jones brandished a yellow card and despite Forest protests, was not recommended to review the challenge. His former colleague Dermot Gallagher reviewed the incident on Sky Sports’ Ref Watch.
“Just as well he didn't get him,” Gallagher said. “That's what saved him. I think because the referee didn’t send him off… but without a doubt if he’d have caught him, he’s going to get a red card. He actually misses him with the straight leg.”
Former striker Jay Bothroyd admitted he’s never seen Calvert-Lewin as the kind of player to leave something on an opponent. But he did add that serious contact could have ended very badly: “That’s a leg-breaker. If he hits him on the shin, that's a serious injury because Dominic’s leg is straight as well.”
Calvert-Lewin’s challenge wasn’t the only incident from Saturday’s City Ground meeting under the microscope. Earlier in the first-half Forest full-back Ola Aina was also booked for a challenge Leeds believed was worthy of a red.
Aina lost full control of the ball under pressure from Anton Stach and as James Justin raced in to win the ball, he was met with a lunging challenge. The Forest defender’s foot positioning was low and there wasn’t a clear showing of studs.
“I think right [decision],” Gallagher said of the incident. “I think he’s low. I think he doesn’t actually catch him with the studs, he catches him with the shin. It’s not a clever tackle, but it’s not serious foul play.”
Refereeing body Pro Ref are making an effort to stick with on-pitch decisions and Bothroyd suggested a straight red card wouldn't have been overturned: He said: “Put it this way, if he gave him a red card I wouldn’t have said it’s a yellow.”