Supporters would have been significantly more irritated if Leeds hadn’t held out for the victory.
Leeds got back to winning ways on Sunday afternoon as they claimed a 2-1 win over Middlesbrough at Elland Road.
Goals from Pablo Hernandez and Ezgjan Alioski gave Thomas Christiansen’s side all three points but there was some nail-biting in the dying moments after a lifeline had been handed to the visitors.
Boro were awarded a penalty with less than 15 minutes remaining following a grappling match in the box between Daniel Ayala and Luke Ayling.
Linesman misses Ayling thrown to the ground. Then rugby madness – penalty for Boro 😤 2-1 Leeds pic.twitter.com/Tctjl3d9k1
— John 🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦 (@John_MooreMOT) November 19, 2017
The Leeds full back was tasked with marking Ayala, who got up close and personal with Ayling when a corner kick was swung in.
Ayala grabbed Ayling’s face and flung him to the turf but, when a whistle didn’t sound, the hosts’ right back reached out in frustration and grabbed his opponent’s ankle.
Ayala hit the deck, the linesman only saw the second foul and a penalty was duly converted by Britt Assombalonga.
And while the victory will be welcomed with open arms, Leeds supporters could not get over the decision which brought about a needlessly nervy ending to the game.
https://twitter.com/gbell93/status/932261648638922753
Horrendous officiating not only be the ref who was looking right at the initial foul on Ayling, but by the linesman who managed to see Ayling’s reaction but not the foul. Absolutely abysmal refs in this league. #lufc
— James (@jsteer26) November 19, 2017
https://twitter.com/jphillipsonlowe/status/932261011222130689
Stupid from Ayling but how has the linesman not spotted Ayala bodyslamming him to the ground in the first place? #leedsboro
— Joel Sanderson-Murray (@joelsmurray) November 19, 2017
Fucking joke,!!! Doesn't see ayling wrestled to the floor but sees him pull his man over!! Linesman's a prick.
— I can't believe it's not rutter (@hodgylufc) November 19, 2017
What the crap us this linesman doing? Unbelievable. Ayala throws ayling to the floor and they get a penalty!? #leedsmiddlesbro
— Alfie Jackson (@Alfie_Jackson) November 19, 2017
https://twitter.com/niccarpy/status/932260727934586881
Linesman's had a mare there. Feel so sorry for Ayling, that's a pitiful decision. #LeedsVBoro
— Luke Mason (@jastle68) November 19, 2017
So he seen Ayling tackle him to the ground, but missed Ayling getting thrown to the ground ? level of referees/linesman is shocking.
— Ryan Worthey (@ryanworthey93) November 19, 2017
