Credit: Imago

'What is going on?' - Leeds fans explode at 'pathetic' Pascal Struijk incident vs Sunderland

Senior Correspondent AUTHORITY Senior football journalist specialising in refereeing and officiating; former contributor to The Football League Paper, Late Tackle, and the Premier League; University of Derby graduate. FOCUS Refereeing controversies, football finance and governance, PGMOL decisions, and officiating analysis across the Premier League, EFL, and SPFL. THE INSIGHT Harri utilises a network of officiating and industry contacts to deliver verified, expert analysis of refereeing decisions and PGMOL policy. He provides the regulatory clarity behind the controversy to ensure fans get the full picture.

Published on:

03 Mar 2026, 4:04 pm

Stuart Attwell and VAR were ripped to shreds following an incident involving Pascal Struijk during Leeds United's clash with Sunderland.

Daniel Farke would have been keen to get back to winning ways after the contentious defeat to Man City at the weekend, but neither side could get a foothold in the game at Elland Road on Tuesday, 3 March.

Despite a slow start, the Whites started to pile on the pressure, but within 18 minutes, Leeds wanted the chance to score from the penalty spot following a set-piece routine against the Black Cats.

Football Insider revealed in the summer that Struijk was the subject of transfer interest, and it was the Dutchman who was dragged to the floor by Luke O'Nien in a very blatant fashion in the penalty area.

Chris Kavanagh was given no help by VAR at Elland Road. (Credit Imago)

Pascal Struijk has early penalty claim waved away

Not only was the penalty claim waved away, but there did not appear to be a VAR check at Elland Road, despite a very clear foul from Sunderland's captain, who seemed to rugby tackle his opponent.

Supporters flooded social media to bash the "pathetic officiating," with plenty being said about the PGMOL's officials after the weekend of questionable decisions across the Premier League.

Struijk gets rugby tackled in the box and it's not a penalty, followed by the good ol' "fake injured keeper" routine.

Pathetic officiating, so business as usual#LUFC
— Joe Blackburn (@JoeBlackburn42) March 3, 2026

“you can’t do that” as O’Nien grabs struijk by the throat yet VAR is unbothered, class 👍 #LUFC
— Kirkster (@LUFC_Kirkster) March 3, 2026

I’m sorry but thats a penalty? O’Niens hands are literally around Struijk’s neck? Referees with the same agenda against Leeds week in week out #LUFC
— will 🇮🇨 (@LUFCwill1919) March 3, 2026

Another supporter simply couldn't believe that the incident went unchecked by VAR, labelling it "remarkable". Howard Webb's referees are doing very little to gain fans' confidence this season.

@andymousemat: "Remarkable that VAR has chosen not to take action for O'Nien's 'clear and obvious' pull on Struijk in the box."
@Chris1014Lee: "Blatant push on Struijk in the box. Not even looked at by VAR. What is going on?"
@SouthWestWhite: "If VAR won’t look at that foul on Struijk, what will it look at?"

It was made even worse after the Black Cats scored the eventual winner from the penalty spot.

Tottenham have already had enough of Premier League referees

Premier League teams across the country have been left speechless by decisions from referees this season, with Spurs finally taking on the straw to break the camel's back.

After Harry Wilson's goal was allowed to stand for Fulham at the weekend, despite a clear push on Radu Dragusin, Tottenham have penned a letter to the PGMOL and Howard Webb over inconsistencies.

The decision alone could have been a one-off, but after Randal Kolo Muani had a goal chalked off against Arsenal for a questionable push in the penalty area, some questions need answering.

Struijk will also want answers after being dragged to the floor. VAR didn't even check the incident, or at least there was no knowledge of the public, giving those at Elland Road every right to fume.

Sunderland AFC

Leeds United

Pascal Struijk

Stuart Attwell