adminLeeds United were caught up in a controversial refereeing moment during their clash with Crystal Palace, as an apparent mistake by referee Thomas Bramall overshadowed the closing stages of the first half.
The drama unfolded shortly after Dominic Calvert-Lewin missed a crucial penalty that could have given Leeds United the lead against Crystal Palace.
Defender Gabriel Gudmundsson had already been booked earlier in the match, receiving a yellow card in the 27th minute. Late in the first half at Selhurst Park, he was penalised again for a late challenge on Ismaïla Sarr near the centre circle.
Bramall immediately produced another yellow card for the foul. However, in a moment that sparked confusion, the referee initially walked away without showing the red card that should automatically follow a second booking.
Crystal Palace players quickly reacted, surrounding the official and reminding him that Gudmundsson had already been cautioned earlier in the half. After a brief delay of roughly 30 seconds, Bramall appeared to realise the mistake and finally produced the red card, sending the Leeds defender off.
Gudmundsson reacted with visible frustration as he raised his hands in protest while leaving the pitch.
The decision came during a chaotic end to the first half, and the incident quickly became a major talking point. Some observers suggested the referee may not have shown the second yellow so quickly had he realised the defender had already been booked.
Pundits discussing the moment pointed out that the challenge itself looked fairly minor, with Sarr attempting to shield the ball while Gudmundsson arrived slightly late. They also argued the referee might have issued only a warning if he had been fully aware of the earlier booking.
The dismissal marked the first red card of Gudmundsson’s senior club career. As a result, the Swedish defender will now miss Leeds’ upcoming home match against Brentford through suspension.
Since arriving at Leeds in the summer, the 26-year-old has been a regular presence in the squad, making 31 appearances across all competitions.
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