Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher believes Brentford’s spot kick against Leeds United on Sunday would not have stood even if Dango Ouattara had been onside.
Leeds full-back Gabriel Gudmundsson was penalised for a challenge on Ouattara shortly before half-time, with referee John Brooks awarding a penalty. Gudmundsson reacted with disbelief and replays appeared to show only slight contact as a looping pass dropped in behind the defence.
After a long VAR review, officials decided Ouattara had been narrowly offside in the build-up, which immediately ruled out the penalty. Gallagher, however, felt the decision would likely have been overturned anyway due to doubts over whether a foul had occurred.
Speaking on Sky Sports’ Ref Watch, Gallagher said the correct outcome was reached and added he was confident Brooks would have been sent to the pitchside monitor had the offside not applied.
Former Premier League striker Jay Bothroyd shared that view, arguing the contact was insufficient. He said Ouattara felt an arm on him and went down looking for a decision, adding that awarding penalties for such incidents would open the door to constant spot kicks. Bothroyd accepted the offside call was tight but felt it ultimately ensured the right conclusion.
Leeds manager Daniel Farke was still clearly unhappy when reflecting on the episode after the match. He criticised the original decision and the need for such a marginal offside to rescue his side.
Farke said his team had limited Brentford throughout and believed the referee had gifted the hosts a chance they did not deserve. He questioned the consistency of the officiating, pointing to another late incident involving Joe Rodon that he felt was treated differently. While stressing his respect for Brooks as a referee, Farke felt the overall standard on the day did not meet expectations.