Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher has praised Simon Hooper for getting the 'big decisions right' in the heated draw between Leeds United and Newcastle United. However, the ex-referee believes Junior Firpo was 'lucky' to avoid making full contact with Bruno Guimaraes in what could have been a straight red card for the full-back.
The Leeds defender was at the centre of nearly all of the game's key moments, with the 26-year-old winning the first penalty of the match after being fouled by Joelinton. Nick Pope saved Patrick Bamford's effort, before Newcastle equalised minutes later with their own spot-kick after Max Wober fouled Alexander Isak.
With the scores level after the interval, Firpo was then the subject of a VAR review for a lunge on Guimaraes. Hooper's on-field decision of a booking was allowed to stand, and Gallagher agreed with the call but felt the full-back was fortunate his challenge did not make full contact with the Magpies midfielder.
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Reviewing the foul on Sky Sports' 'Ref Watch' segment, Gallagher said: "I think he is lucky in so much as he catches him with his shin rather than his studs. That's what saves him, his legs go in between his opponent's legs, he doesn't catch him full on."
Newcastle took the lead not long after, with Firpo being penalised for a handball after a VAR review. Gallagher has dismissed suggestions the defender was pushed by Isak, and questioned whether it was 'panic' which led to him having his arm outstretched above his head.
Firpo was dismissed in added time after bringing Anthony Gordon down just outside of the box. Gallagher described it as a 'clear foul, and added: "Pushed him in the back, he was already on a yellow card, he makes no attempt to play the ball."
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