Steve Bruce was left stunned as referee Tim Robinson failed to award Leeds United a penalty during a controversial moment against Sunderland on Tuesday (9 April).
It was a match of small margins as the two sides played out a 0-0 draw in the Championship, with the Whites unable to capitalise on Leicester City’s unexpected defeat to Millwall.
A penalty would have given Leeds the perfect opportunity to steal all three points, also putting further pressure on the Foxes and Ipswich Town at the top of the Championship table.
Reacting to the incident live on Sky Sports News (9 April, 9:37pm), Bruce said: “The referee’s had a good look at it. Where’s VAR when you want it? He’s [Luke O’Nien] basically punched it.
“It’s come in from a corner and it’s O’Nien, who has defended fantastically well all night, goes up with his arm – it’s a clear penalty. In the Premier League, that would be stopped and the penalty would be given, which would be the right decision.”
Leeds United fail to capitalise v Sunderland at Elland Road
While also fuming about the handball decision falling in the Black Cats’ favour, Daniel Farke will mainly be disappointed at his team’s lacking display in front of the home crowd.
