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Bournemouth latest: 'I cannot accept Leeds goal' - Iraola incensed by last-gasp equaliser

Carlos Mendez
Carlos Mendez
Soccer Correspondent
7:48 AM
SOCCER
Bournemouth latest: 'I cannot accept Leeds goal' - Iraola incensed by last-gasp equaliser
Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola has launched a scathing attack on the officials after a controversial late equaliser from Leeds United denied his side a crucial three points.

Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola has unleashed a furious tirade at match officials following a dramatic 95th-minute equaliser from Leeds United that saw his side settle for a 2-2 draw at the Vitality Stadium.

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The result leaves Bournemouth hovering dangerously close to the Premier League relegation zone, with Iraola believing his team were robbed of a deserved victory. The decisive moment came when Leeds striker compounded what appeared to be a certain winner for the Cherries.

"I cannot accept this goal," an irate Iraola told reporters in his post-match press conference. "Everyone in the stadium knew it was offside. The linesman had his flag up. How can VAR not intervene in a moment like this? It is completely unacceptable."

The incident occurred deep into stoppage time, with the ball appearing to be played through to the Leeds attacker several yards beyond the last defender when the original pass was made. Despite clear visual evidence, the goal was allowed to stand following a VAR review.

Bournemouth had twice taken the lead through goals from Justin Kluivert and Ryan Christie, only to be pegged back on both occasions. The draw means they now sit just three points above the relegation zone with five games remaining.

Leeds, meanwhile, extended their unbeaten run to four matches and moved five points clear of the bottom three. Manager would later praise his side's resilience but acknowledged the controversy surrounding the equaliser.

The result has significant implications for the survival race, with Bournemouth now needing maximum points from their remaining fixtures to secure top-flight status for next season. The club has announced they will submit a formal complaint to the FA regarding the officiating."We have to stay together," Iraola added. "But it is very difficult to accept when you are treated like this. We deserved more today."

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