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Ex-Premier League referee 'can't believe' Rodrigo controversy at Leeds United - 'this has upset fans'
Keith Hackett has insisted he “can’t believe” Rodrigo’s goal for Leeds United in the 4-2 victory over Wolves wasn’t disallowed after a “clear foul” on Adama Traore.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Fifa and Premier League referee insisted the decision will have “upset fans” – because the technology was “used perfectly”, but simply not listened to in this instance.
As seen in footage posted to YouTube by Sky Sports (18 March), Traore surrendered possession after he was pulled back by Leeds star Marc Roca – allowing Rodrigo to score a stoppage-time goal in the Whites’ 4-2 victory over Wolves.
VAR official David Coote sent match referee Michael Salisbury to the pitchside monitor to review the incident but he still declined to disallow the goal – just the fourth time a referee has stuck with his original decision this season.
The decision sparked ugly scenes on the touchline, which saw Wolves midfielder Matheus Nunes sent off for supposedly pushing a linesman.
Nunes, who was an unused substitute, has since seen his three-match suspension overturned.
Hackett told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “Leeds are allowed to go on and score here but it’s a clear foul.
“He’s held him, clearly, and I can understand why the frustration builds on the touchline and on the bench – because it’s right in front of them.
“Then the VAR has actually failed to rectify it because the referee sticks with his original decision.
“It’s a holding offence where the shirt has actually come away from the body. Traore is not simulating the contact, it’s right there.
“It warranted a free-kick and I can’t believe the goal was allowed to stand.
“These are the things that upset fans because the technology was used perfectly and the referee has decided not to listen.”
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