Dermot Gallagher on why Leeds United defender Robin Koch's challenge was a definite Fulham penalty

FORMER Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher says Anthony Taylor had to award Fulham a penalty for Leeds United defender Robin Koch's challenge on Joe Bryan.
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German international centre-back Koch attempted a sliding challenge on Bryan inside the Whites box during the first half of Saturday's Premier League clash at Elland Road but then tried to pull out of the tackle with Bryan heading away from goal.

Koch, though, still made slight contact with the Fulham full back who then went to ground on the edge of the area and Gallagher says Taylor was right to point to the spot.

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Speaking on Ref Watch on the Sky Sports' Football Show, Gallagher was asked if the incident was indeed a penalty and said: "I think it is.

RIGHT CALL: Leeds United defender Robin Koch just catches Fulham full-back Joe Bryan inside the box to concede a penalty in Saturday's Premier League clash at Elland Road. Photo by Oli Scarff - Pool/Getty Images.RIGHT CALL: Leeds United defender Robin Koch just catches Fulham full-back Joe Bryan inside the box to concede a penalty in Saturday's Premier League clash at Elland Road. Photo by Oli Scarff - Pool/Getty Images.
RIGHT CALL: Leeds United defender Robin Koch just catches Fulham full-back Joe Bryan inside the box to concede a penalty in Saturday's Premier League clash at Elland Road. Photo by Oli Scarff - Pool/Getty Images.

"If you go to ground like this then you take a massive risk.

"You've got to get the ball.

"He doesn't get the ball, he gets the man first.

"The forward just moves the ball away and because Koch is on the floor his momentum takes him into Bryan who just lifts his leg as well and it has to be a penalty for me.

"His momentum alone was going to take him into him, that's the key issue.

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"If you go to ground like that you have to win the ball and he quite clearly didn't."

Aleksandar Mitrovic stepped up to convert the spot kick to put Fulham level after Helder Costa had fired Leeds in front but United went back ahead seven minutes later with a penalty of their own.

This time Bryan pushed Bamford in the back challenging for a high ball and Mateusz Klich coolly converted to put Leeds on their way to a 4-3 victory.

"You just don't do this," said Gallagher of Bryan's challenge.

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"It's just a massive risk to take and he had to endure the consequences."

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