Sheffield United beat Leeds United 2-1 on Saturday.
Andy Madley was right to book Lee Evans and award John Fleck a penalty during Sheffield United’s 2-1 win against Leeds United on Saturday, according to Mark Halsey.
But the former Premier League referee appeared to criticise Fleck anyway, suggesting he failed to go down naturally.
Some Leeds fans feel Sheffield United should have been reduced to 10 men following Evans’ challenge on Ezgjan Alioski on the stroke of half time.
Evans avoided the maximum punishment, however, as the Blades recorded a double against their Yorkshire rivals, courtesy of goals from ex-Leeds striker Billy Sharp.
Just as he did at Elland Road last October, Sharp opened the scoring in only the second minute at Bramall Lane.
But Pierre-Michel Lasogga equalised within two minutes of the second half whistle, before Sharp struck from the penalty spot with 17 to go.
It followed yet another disputable decision by Madley, to penalise Leeds’ Euanan O’Kane for bringing down Fleck as the Sheffield United midfielder dashed inside the box.
Discussing the game’s two big talking points – starting with Evans’ yellow card – Halsey told the Ref Show: “I think he’s got that just about right. They’ve both gone in for a challenge and when you have that sort of challenge you’re going to get someone come off worse than the other. I thought it was a yellow card.
“Was he out of control? Was it excessive force? Did he endanger the player’s safety? They both endangered each other’s safety the way they went in. I think Andy Madley refereed the game very well.”
On the Fleck incident, Halsey added: “Yeah, I think it’s a penalty. He’s tried to pull out but he’s just caught him. But the gripe I have is that when a player is fouled in the penalty area, just go down naturally. Why do they have to throw themselves and do a 9.5 dive? Just go down.”
Speaking about the Evans incident, Carlton Palmer – who enjoyed successful spells at both Leeds and Sheffield United’s city rivals, Wednesday – added: “It was reckless to say the least, but I don’t think it was a red card. You’re talking about a local derby, emotions are running high. It’s a difficult.. I think it would have been harsh to give a red card.”
What did you make of Madley’s decision making during Sheffield United versus Leeds United?
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