‘How on earth?’ – Jermaine Beckford fumes at ’embarrassing’ VAR after Leeds vs Sunderland penalty controversy
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Credit: TNT Sports ‘How on earth?’ – Jermaine Beckford fumes at ’embarrassing’ VAR after Leeds vs Sunderland penalty controversy Wed 4 March 2026 7:45, UK Leeds United hero Jermaine Beckford was taken aback by the decision not to award Daniel Farke’s side a penalty against Sunderland after Luke O’Nien’s challenge on Pascal Struijk.Leeds were beaten 1-0 by Sunderland at Elland Road after Habib Diarra dispatched a 70th-minute penalty to send Regis Le Bris’ side 11th in the Premier League.Farke’s men created more chances and had the better opportunities to score, but their lack of scoring threat was apparent, and they remain just six points above the relegation zone as it stands.Despite their woes, the Whites felt as if they should have had a spot kick of their own in the first half after O’Nien pulled Struijk down in the area from a corner.Leeds fans fumed at Stuart Attwell and VAR for failing to give the penalty, and former striker Beckford could not help but do the same while speaking live on TNT Sports. MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES ⚽ Leeds United Matchday ⚽ Team news, line-ups, expert previews and verdicts, and tactical analysis for every Leeds fixture.
VISIT THE LEEDS MATCH HUBJermaine Beckford slams VAR as Leeds denied penalty vs SunderlandO’Nien’s intent was clear as he wrapped his arms around Struijk’s upper body and hauled him to the floor as the Dutchman tried to get on the end of Anton Stach’s corner.Match referee Attwell ignored Struijk’s protests, while VAR also decided against intervening with any potential penalty calls.Former Whites striker Beckford outlined his anger at the decision not to award a spot kick live on TNT Sports, saying: “I’m so bemused as to how the referees and the VAR officials haven’t given a penalty, it’s clear as day. “O’Nien on Pascal Struijk, look at that, arms around the neck, drags him down to the floor.
It’s absolutely embarrassing.”Keith Hackett blasts officials for missed challenge on Struijk Leeds can certainly feel aggrieved by the decision not to award them a penalty, especially after Diarra scored from the spot following a dubious handball call against Ethan Ampadu later in the game.Credit: ImagoSpeaking exclusively to MOT Leeds News, former PGMOL chief Hackett insisted that Leeds should have had a penalty, saying: “I am surprised that the referee took no action in this blatant holding offence.“O’Nien wraps his arms around his opponent. They can replay these incidents and ensure that they come to the correct decision.“Referees need to see, recognise, think and if the referee does not blow for the offence, VAR must act on what is a clear and obvious error.” 🚨 Don’t Miss a Beat: Your Leeds United Insider Access Get the full story from Elland Road and Thorp Arch with our dedicated expert hubs: Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from the heart of West Yorkshire.