Keith Hackett believes VAR would have intervened had it been in operation for Leeds’ FA Cup tie with Derby.

Leeds secured a 3-1 victory away to Derby County on Sunday, to book their place in the next round of this year’s FA Cup.

Despite going 1-0 down, goals from Willy Gnonto, Ao Tanaka and James Justin flipped the game on its head, with the Whites going on to see the remainder of the clash out with relative ease.

However, the game could have panned out very differently, and even more so in Leeds’ favour, had it not been for Joel Piroe’s missed penalty, which may not have been awarded had VAR been in operation.

Lukas Nmecha fortunate to be awarded penalty vs Derby

Leeds lacked quality in the final third against Derby in the first half, though that certainly improved after the interval.

However, just after the half-hour mark, the Whites were awarded a penalty after a through pass from Ao Tanaka found Lukas Nmecha, who went down under a challenge by Jacob Zetterstrom.

Anthony Taylor wasted no time in pointing to the spot, but Hackett believes he was wrong to do so.

Speaking exclusively to MOT Leeds News, the former PGMOL chief said: “That is manufactured contact by the attacking player and the reason they are so good at acts of simulation that deceive the referee.

“If VAR is operating, they might see this as a clear and obvious error by the referee, but in fairness, from the referee’s viewing position and the actions of the attacking player, I can fully understand why a penalty kick was awarded, albeit that it is the wrong decision.

“It underpins why I would like to see the implementation of a review panel, and where proven, a game ban should apply.”

Joel Piroe contributes to unwanted Leeds history vs Derby

Leeds were on top at the time of the penalty, though the momentum completely shifted as a result of Piroe missing the spot kick, as demonstarted hby the fact Derby scored two minutes later.

However, that was the third time in a row that the Whites have had a penalty saved in the FA Cup, which has never been seen before in the competition.

Pascal Struijk missed his penalty in Leeds’ 2-0 defeat against Millwall in February last year, with Rodrigo following suit when the Whites beat Cardiff back in 2023.

It was a day to forget for Leeds, and certainly even more so for Piroe, who failed to grasp his chance with two hands on his return to Farke’s starting 11.