“‘Unbelievable!’ Ex-FIFA Ref Slams Decision Not to Send Off Dolan for Shocking Challenge on Firpo”
Former FIFA referee Keith Hackett has expressed disbelief that Blackburn’s Tyrhys Dolan escaped a red card for a studs-up foul on Junior Firpo during Leeds United’s 1-0 defeat on Saturday.
The incident occurred in the 62nd minute when Dolan caught Firpo’s left shin with a reckless challenge, leaving the Leeds defender needing treatment. Despite the severity, Dolan was only shown a yellow card, a decision Hackett finds hard to justify.
“This kind of challenge has no place in the game,” Hackett stated, as Leeds fans and players were left fuming at the missed call.
“Ex-FIFA Ref Blasts Referee for Missing ‘Serious Foul Play’ in Firpo Incident During Leeds Defeat”
Keith Hackett, former FIFA referee and ex-PGMOL chief, has criticized Lewis Smith for failing to send off Blackburn’s Tyrhys Dolan after a studs-up challenge on Leeds’ Junior Firpo.
Speaking to MOT Leeds News, Hackett labeled the tackle as “serious foul play” and questioned Smith’s decision-making despite having a clear view. “That’s red,” Hackett insisted. “He’s gone in with his left leg, it’s high. It’s right in front of the referee.”
The controversial call left Leeds fans fuming as the moment proved pivotal in their 1-0 loss to Blackburn.
“Ex-FIFA Ref Blasts Referee for Missing ‘Clear Red Card’ in Firpo Incident Against Blackburn”
Keith Hackett, former FIFA referee, has slammed the decision not to send off Tyrhys Dolan for a dangerous studs-up challenge on Junior Firpo during Blackburn’s 1-0 win over Leeds United.
“He’s launched himself, foot off the ground, caught his opponent high on the left,” Hackett told MOT Leeds News. Despite the incident happening right in front of referee Lewis Smith, Dolan escaped with just a yellow card.
Hackett called the tackle “serious foul play” and questioned how such a blatant red card was missed, leaving Leeds fans furious.
“Ex-FIFA Ref Calls Out Missed Red Card as Farke’s Frustration Boils Over in Leeds Defeat”
Keith Hackett is astonished that referee Lewis Smith did not issue a red card for Tyrhys Dolan’s dangerous foul on Junior Firpo during Leeds United’s 1-0 loss to Blackburn.
“I’m amazed the referee has not issued a red card,” Hackett remarked, highlighting the serious nature of the challenge. As the incident unfolded right in front of the referee, it sparked frustration in Leeds manager Daniel Farke, who was seen speaking with Smith after the match.
Journalist Beren Cross also noticed Farke’s visible irritation, and commentator Adam Pope sensed the manager’s frustration over Dolan’s lack of punishment. Despite the controversy, Leeds had no excuse for failing to secure all three points at Ewood Road, missing the chance to return to the top of the table.
“Leeds Fall to Third as Sheffield United and Burnley Leapfrog After Key Wins”
Leeds United now find themselves in third place, three points behind Sheffield United, who triumphed 1-0 over Sunderland with 10 men at Bramall Lane on Friday, 29 November.
Meanwhile, Burnley have surged above Leeds into second after a four-game winning streak in the Championship, tightening the race at the top. The defeat to Blackburn has left Leeds chasing the pack, with their hopes of returning to the top dashed for the moment.