Gabriel Gudmundsson’s late challenge on Andrey Santos during Sunday’s 1-1 draw between Leeds and rivals Manchester United sparked debate between fans and pundits alike.

Before the deadlock had been broken by Bryan Mbeumo at Elland Road, Gudmundsson found himself in referee’s Darren England book after his studs caught the heel of Man Utd midfielder Santos. Leeds would respond after the break via Dominic Calvert-Lewin, with left-back Gudmundsson playing the full 90 minutes.

At the time Gudmundsson thought he was harshly treated by being shown a yellow, but Match of the Day pundit Shay Given felt the Swedish international could have been given his marching orders.

The ex-Republic of Ireland ‘keeper drew a comparison between the foul and a similar challenge on Robinio Vaz that saw Fulham defender Ryan Sessegnon dismissed in the closing stages of the Cottagers’ 1-0 win over Hull on Saturday.

Fortunate: Gabriel Gudmundsson could easily have been sent off during Leeds’ draw with Manchester United

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Speaking on Match of the Day, former Newcastle and Manchester City star Given stated: “I think we all agree it is a poor challenge from Sessegnon. I think he is trying to trip him, but he gets it wrong and he goes down the back of the Achilles, so it’s a red card.

“Gudmundsson on Santos, I think this is even worse, if I’m being honest. And this is the early part of the first half as well. He’s got time to stop and watch for the ball as well. He’s nowhere near the ball, and for me it’s a dangerous tackle.”

Fellow pundit Dion Dublin was in agreement, sharing his belief that Gudmundsson should have been dismissed for his challenge.

The former Manchester United frontman added: “I don’t think either of these, I still don’t think that he’s (Gudmundsson) done that on purpose. I think he’s got it wrong, I think he’s trying to put his foot down. And I think him and Sessegnon have both got it wrong.

“It looks horrible, both down the Achilles, and they both should have been reds.”

Former Premier League match official Darren Cann shared his view that the challenge could have been worthy of a red, before suggesting the mitigating factor that perhaps saved Gudmundsson from an early bath.

Cann told BBC Sport: “Gabriel Gudmundsson made a very risky challenge on Andrey Santos. His tackle had similarities with Ryan Sessegnon's red card for Fulham on Saturday, with both players making contact with their studs on the back of the calf/Achilles of their opponents.

“Gudmundsson could also have easily seen red instead of the yellow card he received. I think what saved him was that there was a little less intensity in his challenge, however he could've had no complaints had a red card been shown.”