Ex-PGMOL Boss: Fulham Star Deserved Red Card After 'Blatant' Incident vs Leeds United

Former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett has slammed refereeing decisions in Leeds United's dramatic 1-0 victory over Fulham on January 17, 2026, claiming a Fulham star merited a red card for a "blatant" foul.[1][2][3]

In a tense Premier League clash at Elland Road, Leeds secured a vital win through Lukas Nmecha's acrobatic 91st-minute finish from Ethan Ampadu's pinpoint cross, keeping them eight points clear of the relegation zone.[2][3] The game was low on clear chances, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Brenden Aaronson missing golden opportunities for the hosts, while Fulham struggled to threaten Bernd Leno's goal.[1][3]

Hackett, ex-head of the Professional Game Match Officials Limited, zeroed in on Fulham's Jonah Kusi-Asare, who received a yellow card in the 90+5th minute for a "bad foul."[1] Speaking to Football Insider, Hackett described the challenge as "blatant," arguing it warranted a straight red for endangering an opponent. "This was a reckless tackle with no attempt to play the ball—clear denial of a goalscoring opportunity or serious foul play," he insisted, criticizing referee Chris Kavanagh for leniency.[1]

The incident added spice to a match already fraught with tension, echoing the reverse fixture where Fulham won via a late own goal by Gabriel Gudmundsson.[2][4] Fulham boss Marco Silva expressed frustration post-match, admitting his side fell below standards in the second half and lamenting the conceding of the winner after botched clearances.[3] Kusi-Asare downplayed his booking as "normal things in the game," citing emotions running high.[3]

Leeds paid tribute to late legend Terry Yorath amid wild celebrations, boosting survival hopes under Daniel Farke. Fulham slipped further from European contention, their blunt attack registering minimal expected goals (xG).[2][3] Hackett's verdict highlights ongoing VAR and officiating debates in the Premier League.

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