Former Premier League ref on QPR's controversial winner against Leeds United: 'The problem with it was it happened so quickly'
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Gallagher was discussing the goal on Sky this morning with ex Leeds captain Stephen Warnock and former Leeds United Ladies star Sue Smith.
A free-kick was deflected into the path of Nahki Wells, who handled the ball with both hands before scoring past a helpless Kiko Casilla.
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Hide AdLeeds players surrounded Bankes in protest but the goal stood and was the difference between the sides at full-time.
"The problem with this is it happened so quickly," said Gallagher.
"He handled it with both hands. The referee didn't see it, he's behind a crowd.
"With VAR in the Premier League it would have been disallowed immediately. VAR was going to come in, it's come in to the Premier League and that's the starting point, whether it will cascade down [we don't know]."
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Hide AdWarnock and Smith both said the goal was an instance where VAR would have helped the match official come to the right conclusion.
"It's a blatant handball. There are times when you do need [VAR]," said Warnock.
Smith added: "VAR would have picked up on that."
Leeds were also aggrieved with Bankes' decision not to award a penalty for Lee Wallace's early challenge on Helder Costa in the QPR box.
The Whites have been on the end of some dreadful decisions in the capital this season.
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Hide AdAt Millwall Gaetano Berardi was incorrectly judged to have fouled Tom Bradshaw in the area and was given a red card that was later rescinded.
At Fulham, Ben White was penalised for a challenge in the penalty area, a decision that Leeds were later informed was wrong.
And at Arsenal, a kick out at Berardi by Alexandre Lacazette was missed by the referee, checked by VAR and no action was taken.