Fans think Premier League referee failed to spot clear Fulham back pass against Leeds

Fans think the referee failed to spot a clear back pass in the game between Fulham and Leeds, although an explanation has been provided.

The two sides met in the lunchtime kick-off at Craven Cottage and there was huge controversy in what was otherwise a fairly uneventful first half.

Fulham skipper Tim Ream had the ball at the back and passed it to goalkeeper Bernd Leno, who took a touch and then picked it up once pressed by Brenden Aaronson.

Of course the rules, which were implemented back in 1992 after Denmark's massive manipulation, state that the goalkeepers cannot pick the ball up from a deliberate kick - so technically it should have been an indirect free-kick for Leeds in a dangerous position inside the penalty area.

No Leeds player appealed and there was mass confusion.

Must have missed that 😅

Back pass to Leno there...surely 😬 pic.twitter.com/cY6dynRKPw

— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) April 22, 2023

While players and officials were oblivious, social media erupted with stunned reaction.

One user wrote: "Was that not just a clear back pass to the GK there in the Fulham game???"

A second had the same view: "Thought I was imagining it when Fulham keeper just picked up a back pass and not a fan not a player nor official said anything. Then 3 mins later BT Sport realised it."

Another added: "Fulham keeper handled a back pass from his defender and everyone in the stadium missed it…Lool."

A fourth commented: "Fulham just did a blatant back pass and no one even noticed."

Players can only return the ball to their goalkeeper to pick up if the contact is from their head, chest or knee. It can only be played off their foot in the event that the referee deems it to be unintentional.

However, in their half-time analysis, BT were able to share footage which explained why Ream was let off the hook.

Referee Peter Bankes was seen with his hand in the air, signalling that the ball had taken the slightest nick off Rodrigo.