Ex-PGMOL chief wades in after Derby County v Leeds incident and says 'wrong decision' | Derbyshire Live

Latest Derby County news from DerbyshireLive brings you what has been said about the decision made in the first half of the third round clash

Ex-PGMOL chief Keith Hackett believes Leeds United were fortunate to be awarded a penalty in their FA Cup clash against Derby County yesterday.

With the game goalless, Lukas Nmecha went down under a challenge from Jacob Widell Zetterstrom who then saved Joel Piroe's penalty.

But Hackett believes that VAR would have probably intervened to overturn the decision that was made by Anthony Taylor.

VAR was not in operation for the third round clash and Hackett believes had the technology been available, it probably would not have resulted in a spot-kick.

“That is manufactured contact by the attacking player and the reason they are so good at acts of simulation that deceive the referee," he told MOT Leeds News.

“If VAR is operating, they might see this as a clear and obvious error by the referee, but in fairness, from the referee’s viewing position and the actions of the attacking player, I can fully understand why a penalty kick was awarded, albeit that it is the wrong decision.

“It underpins why I would like to see the implementation of a review panel, and where proven, a game ban should apply.”

Derby ended up losing the game 3-1 having taken the lead through Ben Brereton Diaz's smartly taken opener which came two minutes 30 seconds after Zetterstrom's penalty save.

But Leeds hit back after the break when Wilfried Gnonto crashed in an equaliser before Ao Tananka tapped in from close range.

James Justin then wrapped the game up in stoppage time when he finished a rapid counter-attack.

What was your verdict on the penalty? Have your say HERE.