Ex-Premier League referee reacts to 'really bad' QPR flashpoint v Stoke City | OneFootball

Amadou Mbengue committed a rough challenge on Ben Pearson against Stoke City with the score still 0-0

Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher has criticised the decision to not award a free kick for Amadou Mbengue’s tackle on Ben Pearson in QPR’s clash with Stoke City last weekend.

The Hoops earned all three points courtesy of a 75th minute Harvey Vale strike, which sealed a 1-0 victory at home against Mark Robins’ side.

But they were fortunate not to lose Mbengue when the score was still 0-0 after he lunged in on Pearson to try and win the ball after a poor first touch had allowed for an interception.

The defender did eventually receive a yellow card later in the game for a tackle on Divin Mubama, but his initial incident with Pearson didn’t even lead to a free-kick despite the referee stopping play due to an injury.

Dermot Gallagher issues Amadou Mbengue tackle verdict

Gallagher has criticised Mbengue’s tackle on Pearson, indicating that it could’ve led to at the very least a free kick, and potentially even a yellow or maybe a red card on another day.

The ex-Premier League ref believes that the defender was trying to make up for his first poor touch, but that it led to a horrendous challenge that should’ve led to some punishment.

"I just do not know," said Gallagher, via Sky Sports.

"It is a really, really bad tackle.

“His first touch is not good, the ball has run away and his instinct is, 'I have to get that ball back quickly'.

"And he has lunged and caught the player with his studs on his ankle.

“The referee has stopped the game for an injury, rather than a foul."

QPR have made a solid start to the season under new manager Julien Stéphan, with the arrival of Mbengue in the summer being a factor.

The centre-back was signed from Reading as part of a busy transfer window.

The London outfit are currently ninth in the Championship table, having earned 10 points from their opening six fixtures.

Next up for QPR is a trip to face Sheffield Wednesday on 27 September in a 3pm kick-off.

Amadou Mbengue won’t be so lucky next time

Mbengue needs to be careful when diving in, as he might not be so lucky to get away without a punishment next time.

The defender is becoming a very important part of the side since joining in the summer from Reading, so they cannot afford to lose him for multiple games due to suspension.

He’s started five of QPR’s opening six fixtures, and he’s making the step up from League One quite well, but this tackle is an example of him not adapting to the jump up the divisions as he’s not accounted for the difference in speed of the game.