Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher labelled Leeds United’s Jayden Bogle ‘extremely lucky’ to not be sent off against Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday.

Bogle’s first-half tackle on Tottenham winger Mathys Tel was subject to a lengthy VAR review midway through the first-half of Saturday’s 1-0 win. The Leeds defender stood on his opponent’s Achilles while trying to plant his foot on the floor, with referee John Brooks awarding a free-kick but handing out no card.

VAR assistant Tony Harrington looked over the incident for several minutes while Tel received medical attention, eventually deeming Bogle’s tackle ‘reckless’ but not endangering an opponent. But former referee Gallagher appeared to disagree.

“I think it is a red card, he is extremely lucky,” Gallagher told Sky Sports’ Ref Watch. “He catches him across the Achilles, high. We have this directive of 'above the ankle, or Achilles' and that falls under that line. We saw it with Ryan Sessegnon a few weeks ago with a similar tackle and [Jean-Philippe] Mateta last week.”

Former Premier League manager Tim Sherwood and ex-striker Jay Bothroyd were also reviewing the incident, with the former admitting he ‘would not have been surprised’ had Bogle been sent off. Bothroyd also agreed based on the rules but added he does not want to see accidental challenges lead to red cards.

“I do not want to see red cards for those kinds of challenges,” he added. “They are accidental, they are trying to put their foot somewhere and players are tricky.

“They have moved, then shifted the ball and players have to try and put their foot down and push off. He has put his foot down and it has landed on Tel's Achilles, but going by the consistency of the law, they have to give that as a red card.”

Tottenham are reportedly set to submit a formal complaint for Pro Ref - the refereeing body formally known as PGMOL - regarding the Bogle decision. They are thought to be seeking an explanation as to why the Leeds defender wasn’t dismissed.

Leeds statement on horrific Bogle abuse

Bogle was the subject of disgusting abuse on social media over the weekend, prompting a strongly-worded statement from Leeds. The club have been able to share screenshots of the messages of abuse which will not be republished by the Yorkshire Evening Post.

A statement from Leeds United read: “Leeds United Football Club are appalled at the disgusting, racist social media abuse Jayden Bogle suffered following Saturday’s Premier League victory against Tottenham Hotspur. Leeds United condemns this behaviour in the strongest possible terms. There is no place for racism in football or society.

“The club will work with the Premier League and relevant authorities to identify the individuals and push for the strongest possible action to be taken against them. Jayden has the full and unconditional support of the club and his teammates, and we all stand with him at this time. Nobody should ever be subjected to racist abuse.”