Whelan blasts ex-referee Walton for ‘shameful’ Leeds United comments

Ex-Premier League referee Peter Walton should be embarrassed for excusing George Baldock’s “shameful” tackle against Leeds United on Saturday.

That is according to ex-Leeds striker Noel Whelan, speaking exclusively to Football Insider after the defender escaped punishment for a challenge “bordering on GBH” as his Sheffield United side lost 2-1 at Elland Road.

Speaking on BT Sport Score, Walton claimed he would not have given a red card because Baldock “slipped” into the challenge.

Tyler Roberts, 22, was the Leeds player on the wrong end of the tackle.

Whelan rubbished Walton’s assessment, claiming that whether the 28-year-old defender slipped or not was inconsequential.

He told Football Insider correspondent Adam Williams: “There’s no way he slipped. He knew exactly what he was doing. It was just a horrible tackle, really horrible.

“He went in with two feet in a scissor tackle over the top of the ball. Whether he slipped or not, contact was made. Slipping can lead to a reckless challenge as well, you know.

“It’s as simple as that. We’ve seen some dreadful tackles like this over the years. It doesn’t have to be intentional. If it’s endangering another player, it doesn’t matter. That was bordering on GBH. It was a shameful attempt.”

Baldock came off worse out of the two players involved in the tackle and was forced to withdraw with an apparent concussion before half-time.

Roberts meanwhile played until the 81st minute when he was replaced by Mateusz Klich in a tactical switch.

In other news, Leeds United agreed £18.4million in transfer top-up fees as document reveals all.