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“It was clear during the match and in the replays that followed within hours that the referee made an error in judgment” – PGMOL criticized after evidence of Leeds’ mistake quickly emerged in replays following their 1-1 draw with Preston.
The PGMOL took far too long to issue an apology to Leeds United following Ben Whiteman’s failure to be sent off in their 1-1 draw with Preston earlier this month.
As reported by LeedsLive on December 23, the refereeing body has now formally apologized to Leeds after referee John Busby chose not to punish Whiteman for a foul on Jayden Bogle. Whiteman, already on a yellow card, made a reckless challenge on Bogle, but Busby did not issue a second booking, despite widespread belief that it could have warranted a straight red.
Nine days after the incident, the PGMOL has finally taken action and apologized.
Keith Hackett, former PGMOL general manager and experienced referee, believes an apology should have come within 24 hours. “It was clear during the match and after watching the replays that the referee made an error of judgment, which should have led to a second yellow and a red card,” Hackett told MOT Leeds News. “In such clear-cut cases, an apology should be issued by the end of the following day.”
Hackett went on to explain that during his time with the PGMOL, he or one of his coaches would visit the club to discuss the incident in detail, explaining how the error occurred and what actions had been taken with the referee and the wider officiating team. “Operational advice would be given to the officials to prevent similar mistakes in the future.”
After the game, Preston’s former Leeds manager Paul Heckingbottom acknowledged that Whiteman should have been sent off. Whiteman received his first yellow card in the 32nd minute, followed by the foul on Bogle just minutes later. Heckingbottom made the decision to substitute him shortly thereafter, convinced that Whiteman was on the verge of receiving another booking.
In other Leeds news, the club’s attacking options could see a major transformation following the latest Aston Villa transfer rumors.
