Leeds United are set to travel to the Vitality Stadium on Saturday to take on Bournemouth for an afternoon pick-up, but a major announcement at Elland Road will raise eyebrows.
The Whites earned a point from a 0-0 draw at Sunderland, and they are now seventh in the Premier League table on 11 points from eight league games.
Leeds could have won it at the end, and there is now clear agreement that the Whites should have been awarded a penalty for a clear foul on Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
Refereeing decisions could take centre stage again on Saturday, as the official appointed for the clash has a history of making bizarre decisions against Leeds.
Read More: Former PL ref gives huge verdict on Leeds penalty call in Sunderland clash: ‘I’ve seen them given’
Alan Shearer’s rant from last year is significant again
The Premier League has announced that Michael Salisbury will officiate the Leeds game against Bournemouth on Saturday.
Adrian Holmes and Conor Brown will assist him, with Tom Reeves as the fourth official. Nick Hopton will be the VAR, with Alex Chilowicz as his assistant.
Salisbury took charge of the same fixture last season, but Leed fans will remember him for the infamous 4-3 defeat at Newcastle United.
A late penalty changed the game when Brenden Aaronson was punished for a handball inside the box. The American could not have challenged for the ball without raising his hands, but Salisbury and VAR still ruled it a penalty.
Even Newcastle legend Alan Shearer ranted against the decision and said: “As you know, I’ll always give you an honest opinion, and I was the same.
“What is he meant to do with his arms when he’s going to challenge? It’s just not handball; it can’t be handball. I just don’t agree with it.”
Read More: Leeds pundits rage over controversial Sunderland penalty call: “I don’t get it”
The Whites do not want another Salisbury controversy on Saturday
Leeds United cannot afford another refereeing controversy when they travel to Bournemouth. After being denied a penalty in the frustrating 0-0 draw against Sunderland, Daniel Farke’s side need decisions to go their way rather than leave another valuable result at the mercy of questionable officiating.
Leeds have already struggled to turn draws into wins this season, and they cannot keep allowing opportunities to slip away. The Sunderland stalemate was another game where they needed more attacking quality, but that doesn’t make an incorrect decision any less costly.
The upcoming trip to Bournemouth presents another tough test, and Leeds need the officials to get the big decisions right. They have enough problems converting chances without feeling that a clear opportunity to win has been taken away from them.
Ultimately, Leeds must focus on their own performance and give themselves the best possible chance of winning. But after the Sunderland controversy, they will hope Bournemouth doesn’t repeat it.
