When Leeds United went to Selhurst Park to play against Crystal Palace, the away fans were expecting a result. Many around the club were expecting a reaction after two defeats in the league.
Nottingham Forest and West Ham picked up huge points, closing the gap to the Whites. So Daniel Farke’s men came into the game on Sunday looking over their shoulders. To their credit, they started off well against Oliver Glasner’s men; gaining a prominent foothold in the first half. But just like against Sunderland and Manchester City, they failed to capitalize on the momentum.
Just before the half time whistle, Leeds won a penalty. But unfortunately, Dominic Calvert-Lewin could not keep his nerves and missed the target.
Ex-referee makes claim about Leeds United incident vs Crystal Palace
The penalty miss was far from the most discussed talking point on Sunday night. Just minutes after Leeds United blew the chance to take the lead, they were reduced to 10 men. Gabriel Gudmundsson was given a second yellow card after impeding Ismaila Sarr on the break. Many Leeds fans felt it was not worthy of a booking, but the referee though otherwise.
And on Monday’s Ref Watch segment on Sky Sports, Dermot Gallagher believes the referee was right to give the yellow card. Not only did he support the decision, but he claimed Nmecha and Gudmundsson tried to avoid the yellow by moving away from the official:
“I think it is quite comical, the Leeds player, number 14 [Lukas Nmecha], says to Gudmundsson, ‘go away, he might forget’.
“He gives him a yellow card, he has already had one 20 minutes earlier, it’s a red card, between them they have got it right.”
Gudmundsson’s absence will be felt ahead of Brentford game
Losing Gabriel Gudmundsson will be a huge blow for the Whites; he is the only natural left footed left back in the team. His absence means that there is a high chance Daniel Farke has to adjust someone’s position to fit the role. James Justin can fill in, and maybe Farke might try a winger in the position. But the defensive solidity and ball progression the Swedish international brings has been a massive boost to the team this season. It is a one match suspension, so the Whites will have to do without their star man when they face Brentford.
