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Bournemouth denied by stoppage-time drama in Leeds draw

3 minute read

Andoni Iraola criticised officials after a controversial late Leeds goal denied Bournemouth a vital win in their European push.

Andoni Iraola, manager of AFC Bournemouth.
Andoni Iraola, manager of AFC Bournemouth. Picture: AAP Image

Andoni Iraola was left furious after a controversial stoppage-time equaliser denied Bournemouth a crucial win in their push for European qualification, as they were held to a dramatic 2-2 draw by Leeds United.

The hosts looked set to climb to sixth place before substitute Sean Longstaff struck deep into added time at the Vitality Stadium.

However, Iraola argued the goal should have been ruled out, claiming Joël Piroe was in an offside position that interfered with goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic.

The late controversy came moments after Bournemouth believed they had secured victory. Evanilson thought he had made it 3-1, only for his effort to be disallowed for a marginal offside decision.

Iraola admitted the fine margins were difficult to accept but felt the equaliser was a more clear-cut error. He argued that Piroe's positioning directly impacted Petrovic's ability to react, insisting it should have been deemed offside.

Bournemouth had earlier taken the lead through Eli Junior Kroupi before a James Hill own goal levelled the match.

Substitute Rayan Cherki then restored the Cherries' advantage late on, only for Longstaff's intervention to snatch a point for Leeds.

Despite extending their unbeaten Premier League run to 14 matches, Bournemouth were left frustrated and now sit seventh in the table.

Iraola, who recently confirmed he will leave the club at the end of the season, declined to comment on reports linking him with a move to Chelsea following the departure of Liam Rosenior.

He emphasised his focus remains on Bournemouth's final four games and their fight for European football, adding that it would be disrespectful to discuss his future at this stage.

Leeds manager Daniel Farke, meanwhile, praised his side's resilience and described the draw as a "priceless" result.

The point moves Leeds to 40, leaving them nine clear of the relegation zone ahead of their FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea.

Farke said he would only celebrate survival once it is mathematically confirmed but expressed confidence his side have done enough. He highlighted the manner of the comeback as a sign of belief and momentum heading into the final stretch of the season.


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