Dermot Gallagher says league ‘to trial’ one-minute outfield penalty for keeper stoppages | OneFootball

Dermot Gallagher has set out what he considers a good deterrent to goalkeeper stoppages that keep disrupting Leeds United games, speaking on Sky Sports’ Ref Watch.

Elland Road bristled during Saturday’s 0-0 draw with Brentford when goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher went down after a double Leeds change on 70 minutes. He had looked fine, then called for treatment before the restart as some Bees players spoke with head coach Keith Andrews. Daniel Farke made his feelings clear to fourth official Anthony Backhouse.

Gallagher defended referees, stressing they are at the mercy of players and cannot risk waving a goalkeeper to his feet if the injury is genuine.

He said a league is set to trial next season that if a goalkeeper goes down in such circumstances, an outfield player must leave the pitch for one minute. He felt the one-minute reduction would act as a deterrent and a sensible fix.

Similar stoppages have repeatedly punctuated Leeds matches, with Manchester City’s Gianluigi Donnarumma in November and Sunderland’s Melker Ellborg this month both receiving treatment. Elsewhere, Brighton’s Fabian Hurzeler criticised Arsenal after David Raya went down three times. Former striker Jay Bothroyd floated keeping players in the centre-circle during treatment to curb sideline instructions.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk