Hackett Exclusive: ‘Massive’ Tanaka controversy slammed in Middlesbrough v Leeds
Leeds United were on the receiving end of a “massive” error when Ao Tanaka’s goal was ruled out for offside during their clash with Middlesbrough, Keith Hackett has said.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that the central midfielder timed his run perfectly and should have seen his strike put Leeds 2-0 up in the game at the Riverside Stadium disallowed.
Leeds find themselves in a three-way battle with Burnley and Sheffield United for automatic promotion from the Championship this season, with just two points separating the sides.
Daniel Farke’s men have seen their gap at the top of the Championship reduced in recent weeks, after drawing three games in a row, and in turn made their trip to Middlesbrough a must-win fixture.
Leeds should have seen their lead doubled before half-time
The Whites made a bright start to proceedings, stamping their authority on the match with extended spells of possession.
This saw Daniel James put the visitors ahead after just two minutes when he tucked home Manor Solomon’s cross.
However, looking back Leeds will feel hard done by and should have seen their lead doubled when Tanaka tapped home at the back post from before half time, only for it to quickly be ruled out.
Hackett has heavily criticised the major mistake from the assistant, warning that the decision could have huge ramifications for the rest of Leeds’ season.
Thankfully for Farke, despite seeing another perfectly good goal by Patrick Bamford erroneously ruled offside in the second 45 minutes, the Whites held on to record a vital 1-0 victory over Michael Carrick’s men.
| Championship title race | Points |
| Leeds | 85 |
| Burnley | 85 |
| Sheffield United | 83 |
A massive error which risked Leeds’ season
After being asked by Football Insider whether the goal should have stood, the former referee said:
“That’s a massive error by the assistant referee in the Middlesbrough v Leeds United game.
“He ruled that Tanaka was in an offside position when he scored. Replays clearly show that Tanaka timed his run brilliantly before putting the ball in the back of the net.
“Wrong, wrong, wrong. This could impact on Leeds United in a very negative manner. These big decisions must be right.”