'A very similar incident' - Sky pundit questions consistency of VAR after Leeds United's first-half penalty against Burnley

LEEDS, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 27: Nick Pope of Burnley tackles Patrick Bamford of Leeds United leading to a penalty being given during the Premier League match between Leeds United and Burnley at Elland Road on December 27, 2020 in Leeds, England. The match will be played without fans, behind closed doors as a Covid-19 precaution. (Photo by Nigel French - Pool/Getty Images)

Patrick Bamford won and converted a fourth-minute spot-kick after being taken down by Burnley goalkeeper Nick Pope.

Robinson compared the incident to Jordan Pickford and Virgil Van Dijk’s clash in the Merseyside derby, where Liverpool were denied a stoppage time penalty by VAR in a 2-2 draw at Everton,

“I think there is debate when you’re looking for consistency in VAR and officials when you see it happening at other grounds,” said Robinson, who was speaking at half-time on Sky Sports.

“I don’t think you can have too many complaints about the penalty.

“He has got a little bit of the ball but I think, in all honesty, Nick Pope was reckless in the way he came out but then you compare that to other challenges we’ve seen this season.

“He’s got some of the ball but you can’t take a player down like that in the area but then the immediate thing that springs to mind is Jordan Pickford and Virgil Van Dijk in a very similar incident.

“It’s consistency but I think the referee has probably got that right. Yes, the goalkeeper has got a little bit of the ball but you can’t come out recklessly like that and take down the striker.