Ref Watch pundits deliver verdict on two key Sunderland v Leeds United flashpoints

Sunderland drew 0-0 with Leeds United at the Stadium of Light on Sunday afternoon

Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher backed Stuart Attwell's decision not to send Jayden Bogle off for a challenge on Reinildo during Leeds United's 0-0 draw with Sunderland on Sunday.

Bogle was shown a yellow card in the second half after being late to a challenge on the Sunderland left back, with images on social media after the game showing the defender had been left with significant grazes on his upper body by his opposite number's boot. Attwell issued Bogle with a yellow card and VAR quickly approved the decision.

Speaking on Sky Sports News show Ref Watch, Gallagher said the challenge was reckless but did not meet the threshold for a red card.

"It's a yellow card for reckless play, he's always looking at the ball," Gallagher said.

"He goes to pull out as well."

Former Premier League duo Jay Bothroyd and Tim Sherwood agreed, though Bothroyd felt Bogle might have been a little fortunate. He said: "That's an unfortunate coming together but I've seen red cards for those before."

Sherwood added: "He's lifted his leg up to protect himself. He looks and puts his foot up high. I don't think it's a red, though."

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Gallagher also backed Attwell's decision not to award Leeds United a penalty when Luke O'Nien challenged Dominic Calvert-Lewin for a loose ball in the penalty box in the second half. VAR again quickly approved the decision before play resumed.

"I do not think it is a penalty as Calvert-Lewin treads on the ball and that is what knocks him over," Gallagher said.

Bothroyd, however, argued that Leeds should have been awarded a penalty: "I think it is a penalty, he is in control of the ball and gets pushed, he is leaning into him and without that, he is not going down."

Leeds United climbed to seventh in the table as a result of the draw, with Sunderland remaining bottom with five points ahead of a crucial clash with Coventry City on Saturday afternoon.

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