Danny Murphy believes Jesse Marsch was understandably incensed before being sent off during Leeds United’s 5-2 defeat against Brentford. With the score at 3-1, the Whites’ boss was enraged after Crysencio Summerville was brought down in the box by Aaron Hickey.
Referee Rob Jones waved away the protests before giving a soft free-kick to the Bees moments later in the middle of the park once the ball had been cleared. VAR decided not to intervene, causing Marsch to lose his cool on the touchline.
The American was ultimately sent off and forced to watch the remainder of the defeat from the stands. As it stands, Marsch will face a one-match touchline ban and miss next Monday’s home clash against Nottingham Forest.
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However, Murphy sympathises with the Leeds boss for exploding in anger. Speaking on Match of the Day, the former Liverpool midfielder blasted the “awful decision” and thought the Whites should have had a penalty.
“I understand his frustration because it was an awful decision,” Murphy said. “It was probably enhanced by the fact Brentford had got one that was more of a 50/50.
“It is good play from Summerville, who dances around the defender. It looks like a penalty in real time. The referee, Rob Jones, decides not to give it. A few seconds later, he gives an innocuous foul here to Brentford.
“And then, when we get to see it again, it becomes more obvious. the pulling is outside the box so is not particularly relevant but when you go inside the box, left arm on the top of the shoulder, tangle of legs… you're expecting VAR to tell him to go look.
“They don't even tell him to go look at it. Obviously, he is apoplectic Jesse March because it's 3-1, he knows that can get them back into the game. He's furious.”
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