Aitor Karanka lamented Kemar Roofe’s “clear” handball after the Leeds striker denied Nottingham Forest another impressive victory on the road.
The visitors frustrated Leeds after taking an early lead thanks to Jack Robinson’s header but they finally buckled eight minutes from time when Roofe bundled the ball over the line with his arm.
The Forest players were incensed and implored Geoff Eltringham to reverse his decision, only for the referee to award the goal after a lengthy discussion with his linesman.
“We were lucky the cameras were here and everyone could see,” said Karanka following the 1-1 draw.
“Anyone at home or in the stadium watching the game could see what happened because it was clear.
“Robbed is a strong word to say. In games like today it’s better to be proud of the players. We played really well against a very good team in a very good atmosphere.
“They are having an amazing season and are playing really well. They have a very experienced manager so it’s not a surprise for me at all.
“Today we were very organised and committed.”
Victory at Elland Road would have taken Forest into the play-off positions but Karanka is confident his side will continue to put pressure on the Sky Bet Championship’s leading sides.
“I hope to get into the top six and we’re working to be there,” he added.
“We can’t forget that for the last two or three months we’ve changed a lot of players and it’s not easy to train in the week because you have games every two or three days.
“The other teams respect us a lot now. They know when they play Forest we’re not Forest of the past few years. We’re in a good way and we need to keep it going.”
Marcelo Bielsa was also frustrated after watching his Leeds team dominate the game.
“I think it was an unfair result,” said Bielsa, who confirmed right-back Luke Ayling had sustained an “important injury” in the first half.
“We ran a lot, had a lot of possession, attacked the whole game and didn’t concede a chance to the opponent.
“Apart from the goal and one more incident the opponent didn’t create any danger against us. We had five chances to score in each half and attacked the whole game.
“We attacked well and I’ve got no criticism of my team.”
On Leeds’ controversial equaliser, Bielsa added: “From where I was I didn’t see a handball. I imagine the referee didn’t see it either. If it wasn’t a legitimate goal, I wouldn’t be satisfied that they gave the goal.
“I think the draw is not enough to give the team the reward they deserve. I also have admiration for the noble character of the opponent. They might have wasted time in an exaggerated manner, but they were not violent and every time they recovered the ball they tried to play.
“I don’t celebrate a draw because when we play at home with 35,000 fans, a draw is not enough.”
