Referee for Elland Road clash has already made a ‘significant error’ this season – Leeds need to be wary

The only controversial refereeing decision Leeds United have been in the middle of this season has been in the opening game. The Whites were awarded a late penalty against Everton that did not go down well.

Toffees captain James Tarkowski was deemed to have handled the ball in the box, and VAR checked and confirmed the decision. Lukas Nmecha dispatched the spot kick to give Leeds their first win of the season.

After the game, Everton boss David Moyes and club captain Tarkowski were furious with the decision. This was even after there was a consensus that it was the right decision.

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Referee for Saturday’s game has made a huge error this season

Michael Oliver
Credit: Imago

The Premier League have appointed Michael Oliver to be the referee for this weekend’s game against Bournemouth. And that comes with a bit of controversy, as Oliver has been involved in an error earlier this campaign.

In the Everton vs Wolves game this season, the Oliver and VAR missed an incident in the penalty box. Iliman Ndiaye looked to have tripped Hugo Bueno in the box. But the referee waved away the appeal and VAR did not send him to the screen. The decision was later ruled as an error and that a penalty should have been awarded.

📺The Key Match Incidents panel believe Wolves should have been awarded a penalty in Everton’s 3-2 win. 3 out of 5 members said that Iliman Ndiaye fouled Hugo Bueno and that VAR Craig Pawson’s decision not to intervene was a mistake

(Via – @BBCSport )pic.twitter.com/e8MdRJ6Chl

— 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗧𝗼𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗲 𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗲𝘀 (@EvertonNewsFeed) September 10, 2025

3 out of 5 members said that Iliman Ndiaye fouled Hugo Bueno and that VAR Craig Pawson’s decision not to intervene was a mistake. Yorkshire Evening Post described the decision as a ‘significant error’.

Leeds United will have a tough task against Bournemouth

Daniel Farke’s side will be riding on the big result against Wolves, but the game against Bournemouth will be a much tougher prospect. The Cherries have not lost a game since facing Liverpool on the opening day.

But Leeds will have home advantage playing at Elland Road, where they have beaten Everton and held Newcastle United to a draw.