Livid Leam claims Pat’s handball is no joke for Millers
ROTHERHAM boss Leam Richardson accused Patrick Bamford of cheating and branded assistant referee Nick Hopton “unprofessional’’ for “laughing and joking’’ with Leeds’ handball villain.
The Whites striker won friends among the home support as Leeds made it six successive league victories – but didn’t impress the Millers.
Bamford revealed he was targeted by angry fans who turned up outside his home late last season after his penalty was saved by Nick Pope in the 2-2 home draw with Newcastle as Leeds headed for relegation.
But he received a standing ovation yesterday when he was taken off in the second half after guiding in a 10th-minute opener with his arm.
Leeds-born Richardson, an Elland Road season ticketholder as a youngster, said referee Andy Madley apologised
He added: “It’s tough. You know the challenge before you arrive.
“The first goal hasn’t cost the result but it’s led to a large part of it.
“I didn’t appreciate the linesman laughing and joking after the game with a player who has cheated. I think that’s unprofessional.
“The goal was disappointing. It was an easy decision but Andy apologised at half-time.
“He said he didn’t want to guess. He said he spoke to Patrick and he said it did hit his arm.’’
Winger Crysencio Summerville added a second for Leeds in the 52nd minute and doubled his tally eight minutes later from the penalty spot – hoisting his goal haul this term to 15 – after Bamford had initially picked up the ball to take the kick.
Leeds boss Daniel Farke, named the Championship’s manager of the month for January, said: “Someone mentioned a possible handball but I haven’t been able to judge.
“If it was handball it shouldn’t have been allowed.’’
The controversy sparked when Glen Kamara fed Junior Firpo and his low cross took a heavy deflection before Bamford flicked out an arm to touch the ball past keeper Viktor Johansson.
Bamford was out of luck four minutes into the second half when his shot was diverted on to the bar by Hakeem Odoffin.
But Summerville struck when he poked home after a surging run.
He was brought down by Peter Kioso and deceived Johansson by cheekily chipping in the spot-kick.
Rock-bottom Rotherham are still without an away win since November 2022.