Rob Hawthorne and Andy Hinchcliffe defended referee Stuart Attwell for his refereeing performance during Leeds United’s goalless draw against Aston Villa at Elland Road on Sunday.
Former Everton defender Hinchcliffe added by saying that it was ‘never going to be easy’ for Attwell after he sent Luis Sinisterra off early in the second half.
After an even opening 45 minutes, Sinisterra’s double booking – for a foul on John McGinn, then stopping Villa from taking a quick free kick moments later – changed the tide of the game.
Steven Gerrard’s side started to dominate a lot more of the ball and, in both halves, Ollie Watkins missed guilt edge chances to win a game that was full of tension, aggression and needle like it was two teams battling it out for something on the final day of the season.
The Leeds fans were constantly making their feelings known at the on-field referee’s calls, and with less than five minutes left on the clock, when the home side were awarded a free-kick, ironic cheers were heard throughout the ground.
Both Sky commentator and co-commentators at Elland Road reacted to Leeds fans’ actions and defended the on-field referee’s performance, as they told Sky Sports Premier League.
“The Leeds fans feel they haven’t had the rub of the green from that man,” said Hawthorne. “Leeds haven’t had a goal today, but the biggest cheer came, ironically, when he gave a free-kick in their favour.”
Hinchcliffe added: “Ever since he sent off Sinisterra, it was never going to be easy for Stuart Attwell. But he had no choice. If players are going to do daft things, then they are going to get yellow cards.”
Hawthorne then spoke about Attwell’s performance: “I have to say, the referee hasn’t done much wrong, to be fair.”
Hinchcliffe added: “The story of the game isn’t how it has been refereed, but it’s how the players have approached it. They have caused the problems.”
FIERY ENCOUNTER
Ever since Marcelo Bielsa allowed Aston Villa to score an uncontested goal when the duo were in the Championship, the spice levels between the two have gone up a few levels.
Even though many of the current players weren’t part of that match, the needle and aggression that is now in this fixture, is there for all to see.
Even during pre-season, there was some controversy around some of the tackles that were made and there were a few heated exchanges.
Either way, it all builds up for a lovely rivalry that is brewing between these two sides and the reverse fixture at Villa Park is going to be no different.
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