Whelan slams ‘laughing stock’ Leeds decision after Raphinha latest
Noel Whelan has insisted the Video Assistant Referee system is becoming a “laughing stock” after Romain Saiss escaped punishment for a tackle on Leeds United star Raphinha.
The former Whites striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, said he was “surprised” that the VAR didn’t take a second look at the 31-year-old Moroccan’s lunge.
Saiss was booked by referee Robert Jones after a studs-up challenge which made contact with Raphinha’s leg and forced the Brazillian to be substituted.
The winger was quick to allay fears by confirming the injury was “nothing serious” on an Instagram story.
The Whites eventually managed to cancel out Wolves’ first-half opener to claim a point after Rodrigo’s last-gasp penalty.
Whelan drew comparisons to Paul Pogba’s dismissal for Man United against Liverpool on Sunday after he committed a similar foul.
“I thought it was a red card straight away,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“I’m surprised that the VAR has not even looked at it – that’s what it’s there for.
“It’s supposed to help referees and help players stay fit, and we saw a great example of how it can work in the Liverpool game with the Pogba challenge.
“There’s a real inconsistency about how it’s used. To me, it’s a straight red card.
“For the referee and VAR to not even take a second look at it just makes the VAR become a laughing stock.
“It could have changed the game, and maybe Leeds United could have gone on to win.”
Leeds United have struggled at the start of their second season back in the Premier League.
The Whites have won just once this term.
In other news, barely-seen Leeds United trio tipped by pundit to dazzle against Arsenal tonight.