Leeds United vs West Ham ref watch: Three decisions Stuart Attwell got horribly wrong
Leeds United’s win over West Ham was not without controversy as referee Stuart Attwell made three questionable decisions.
Early goals from Brenden Aaronson and Joe Rodon were enough for Leeds to earn their third victory of the season.
Following Leeds’ 2-0 defeat at Burnley, Daniel Farke’s side bounced back to move themselves up to 13th in the Premier League table.
West Ham remain the Premier League relegation zone, with Nuno Espirito Santo still searching for his first win in charge of the London club, though he could have few complaints about Leeds’ success against the Hammers at Elland Road.
Below though are three decisions which Attwell got wrong during the contest.
Ethan Ampadu incident
Ethan Ampadu was forced to leave the field of play despite being accidently hit by the referee.
The referee’s outstretched arm accidently left Ampadu on the ground, and the Leeds captain required treatment.
As such Ampadu had to leave the field of play, in a harsh decision which the referee should have took more accountability towards.
Joe Rodon challenge went unpunished
Ollie Scarles made a positive forward run towards the penalty area and was hacked down by Leeds defender Joe Rodon.
West Ham appealed for a penalty, and the referee made the right decision not pointing to the spot as the foul was outside the box.
However, Attwell did not award a free-kick despite Scarles picking up a knock and being forced off to be replaced by Callum Wilson.
Lucas Paqueta should have been sent off
Lucas Paqueta may have been fortunate that Attwell was in a lenient mood and did not send the Brazilian off for his actions.
Paqueta was booked in the second half, and continued constantly protesting at the referee and even sarcastically applauded a decision made by Attwell.
If Attwell had been stronger, then two yellow cards for Paqueta could have been justified, and would have summed up West Ham’s poor performance.
Paqueta was criticised for Leeds’ second goal, as the hosts outfought their woeful visitors.