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Elliott Jackson

'Really annoyed' - Gary Neville highlights unjust decision that cost Leeds United

Gary Neville believes Leeds United should have been awarded a penalty whilst 1-0 ahead against Newcastle United.

The Whites took an early lead through Raphinha as they dominated the opening stages, spurning several chances to double their advantage.

With Leeds holding a one-goal lead, Daniel James appeared to be brought down by Isaac Hayden in the penalty area but those appeals were waved away.

With St James' Park already tetchy and Newcastle on the ropes, a second for Leeds would have put them in complete control.

Allan Saint-Maximin subsequently equalised for the hosts at half time, leaving Neville quick to highlight a potential sliding doors moment.

"I thought it was a penalty in real-time, you watch it again I think it’s a stonewall penalty," he told Sky Sports.

"If you’re Leeds, I’d be really annoyed. It’s 23 minutes in they go 2-0 up, by that point, Newcastle only had a shot on target, from that point Newcastle grew so it was a big turning point."

On Leeds' opener, he added: "It was the thing we feared for Newcastle, we thought the ground would just change after it, that foul on the far side we know fans aren’t giving these this season.

"He does what you should do, Raphinha, in terms of putting it into a dangerous area. Rodrigo is cute enough, smart enough not to get a touch on it, I do think Hayden has to communicate or go with the runner, if he does that he clears it but it’s a wicked one. It was the start these Newcastle fans feared."

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