Dermot Gallagher has insisted that VAR would’ve ruled in favour of Leeds United at the weekend with regards to Nahki Wells’ winning goal for Queens Park Rangers.  

Leeds lost out 1-0 to QPR on Saturday lunchtime, with Wells’ goal on 20 minutes proving to be the difference.

However, the ball struck both of Wells’ hands before falling at his feet, with the striker then left with the simplest of finishes beyond the grounded Kiko Casilla.

Video Assistant Referees (VAR) have caused controversy in the Premier League this season, with offside decisions and handballs the centre of that.

Yet, Gallagher confirmed that had Wells’ goal been in a Premier League fixture, it would’ve been ruled out, despite sympathising with the officials that it all happened very quickly.

"The problem with this is it happened so quickly," Gallagher told Sky Sports’ Ref Watch (20/01/2020).

"He handled it with both hands. The referee didn't see it.

"With VAR in the Premier League it would have been disallowed immediately. VAR was going to come in, it's come in to the Premier League and that's the starting point, whether it will cascade down [we don't know]." 

Despite Wells’ goal, Leeds had the perfect chance to equalise from the penalty spot on 62 minutes, but Patrick Bamford’s effort was saved.

Kalvin Phillips saw red late on, with Leeds now having only one win in their last seven fixtures in the Championship.

That’s left them only four points clear of third-placed Fulham.

QUIZ: Can you name these 18 ex-Leeds United players?

The Verdict

This is the frustration for Leeds and their fans: if the fixture is officiated the same as the Premier League, the goal is ruled out and Marcelo Bielsa’s side aren’t 1-0 down after 20 minutes.

They will argue it, but what’s done is done now, with Leeds needing to mull on this and then move on quickly when they take on Millwall in eight days’ time.

Nothing can be done about it, and despite Gallagher’s admission, the points are gone.

Thoughts? Let us know!