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19th Nov 2017

Leeds supporters baffled as linesman sees rugby tackle but not bodyslam

That was a lot of grappling

Darragh Murphy

Supporters would have been significantly more irritated if Leeds hadn’t held out for the victory.

Leeds got back to winning ways on Sunday afternoon as they claimed a 2-1 win over Middlesbrough at Elland Road.

Goals from Pablo Hernandez and Ezgjan Alioski gave Thomas Christiansen’s side all three points but there was some nail-biting in the dying moments after a lifeline had been handed to the visitors.

Boro were awarded a penalty with less than 15 minutes remaining following a grappling match in the box between Daniel Ayala and Luke Ayling.

The Leeds full back was tasked with marking Ayala, who got up close and personal with Ayling when a corner kick was swung in.

Ayala grabbed Ayling’s face and flung him to the turf but, when a whistle didn’t sound, the hosts’ right back reached out in frustration and grabbed his opponent’s ankle.

Ayala hit the deck, the linesman only saw the second foul and a penalty was duly converted by Britt Assombalonga.

And while the victory will be welcomed with open arms, Leeds supporters could not get over the decision which brought about a needlessly nervy ending to the game.