Two former Leeds United players believe Harrogate Town were denied a first half penalty in the first half of the FA Cup third round clash at Elland Road.
Frenchman Josuha Guilavogui, making his first start for the Whites, appeared to bundle Josh March to the ground in the 12th minute. Referee James Bell was unmoved and awarded a free kick. VAR is not in operation at this stage of the competition.
BBC pundit Stephen Warnock said: “March gets a steal on him (Guilavogui) and wins the header. It was a clip of the heels from Guilavogui. It’s clumsy. The referee, James Bell, has got a decision to make and he feels it’s a coming together by the two players but Josh Marsh does get in front of him. A difficult decision.
“I think he’s very, very lucky. I really do. Once you get across the defender, the defender has got to almost slam the breaks on because he can initiate contact. I think Leeds have got away with one. He’s so fortunate. He’s a big experienced defender. I think it’s a penalty and Leeds get away with it.”
Ex-United goalkeeper Paul Robinson agreed with Warnock’s assessment. “He is very lucky there Josuha Guilavogui – Josh March gets around him and he looks like he tangles with his legs,” he told BBC Radio 5 Live. “It started outside the box and ended inside the box but the referee chose to ignore it and play on.”
Spanish Under-21 international Mateo Joseph came the closest to opening the scoring for Daniel Farke’s side, seeing a fierce right foot shot hit the post in the 42nd minute. “They are doing well Harrogate,” said Robinson. “They are staying tight as a unit, smelling danger, making blocks and last ditch tackles and at the moment they are sticking in there.
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