Leeds chairman Peter Ridsdale has defended the referee who appeared to celebrate a Liverpool goal against his side on Saturday.

Mike Reed was caught on camera punching the air after the Anfield side took a 2-1 lead in the Premiership clash.

But Ridsdale insisted he saw no problem with the gesture, which had incensed fans.

"I thought Mike Reed handled what was always a highly competitive game magnificently and this matter has been blown up out of all proportion," he said.

"I have informed the FA of that opinion and will be repeating it to referees' representative Philip Don."

The Premier League wants Reed to fully explain his actions. The Birmingham official has admitted clenching his fist, but said he was congratulating himself on a job well done rather than celebrating.

Leeds fans called radio phone-ins after the match to complain about Reed's gesture.

"Vladimir Smicer was fouled in the build-up but still managed to get away and I played an advantage," said the referee.

"If you watch the video you'll see than I then went over to Smicer with a knowing look to make sure he was aware of what I'd done."

The Czech had passed the ball to his compatriot Berger, who scored from just outside the penalty area.

"I clenched a fist in front of my shorts in celebration of the fact that I had played an advantage to Liverpool," he told BBC Radio 5 Live.

"There's no better feeling for referees than playing an advantage and the ball ending in the net."

But Premier League spokesman Mike Lee said: "We have asked Mike Reed to provide us with a written report of the incident and we are seeking to view the video evidence. We will consider the matter in light of that information.

"We understand the emotions involved but such gestures are open to misinterpretation and cannot be encouraged."

Reed admitted to not considering how the gesture would look, and said he was not a Liverpool fan.

"I've been accused of being a fan of quite a few teams in the past, but Aston Villa are my only team," added Reed.

The Birmingham referee does not officiate for matches involving the Premiership team from that city.