BBC Sport pundit rages over ‘out of control’ incident in Leeds United draw v Norwich City
Shane Duffy’s tackle on Crysencio Summerville during the goalless draw with Norwich City has been described by former Leeds United player Jon Newsome as “out of control.”
The Irishman was booked for the challenge early in the second half of the Championship play-off semi-final first leg at Carrow Road, scything through Summerville. The two teams play again on Thursday at Elland Road following the tentative 0-0 draw in Norfolk. Newsome said of the tackle on BBC Radio Leeds:
“That’s the kind of challenge I think football is trying to eradicate. Shannen Duffy is completely out of control. That’s the kind of challenge that could have put Crysencio Summerville out of the game, and out of Thursday’s game.”
Leeds United can win for Wembley at Elland Road
Following Daniel Farke’s team selection that some found confusing, Leeds United will win the goalless game; they will undoubtedly include a fit Summerville, who was fortunately spared from harm by Duffy’s forceful tackle.
A victory over the Canaries guarantees a spot in the championship game against either Southampton or West Bromwich Albion. Leeds must now cast aside their EFL play-off demons in the hopes of banishing them permanently this season.
With ninety minutes remaining in this delicate match, Leeds supporters will be hopeful they can seal the deal in what should be an electrifying atmosphere in West Yorkshire this week. It was a cagey game that both teams appeared afraid not to lose.
Joel Piroe’s former club will stop at nothing to unleash the demons in the second leg, thus Farke might opt to start him again and play more conservatively.
In other Leeds news, Georgia Rutter has received criticism for his performance against Norwich from a different perspective
In a related development:
Leeds United fan injured in incident outside Carrow Road as Norwich supporter arrested
It is understandable that the play-offs would heighten emotions after a taxing Championship season, given that Premier League promotion and the concomitant wealth are at stake.
That being said, it should go without saying that no circumstance can ever justify any kind of physical harm that supporters cause to others.
If an arrest has been made, it looks like there has already been a reaction, so hopefully the Leeds supporter has not sustained any serious injuries and can recover quickly.
“I understand there was an incident at Carrow Road following the game where a Leeds United fan received a neck injury that has bled,” wrote Pope. Although the cause of the injury is unknown, it may have been a can that was used or thrown. A Norwich supporter was taken into custody.
Leeds United supporter left bleeding after play-off clash
It is understandable that the play-offs would heighten emotions after a taxing Championship season, given that Premier League promotion and the concomitant wealth are at stake.
That being said, it should go without saying that no circumstance can ever justify any kind of physical harm that supporters cause to others.
Since it appears that there has already been a response if an arrest has been made, the hope must be that the Leeds supporter has not suffered any major injuries and can heal quickly.
Despite his Whites club’s declining play in the latter stages, Farke overcame his former team this season, having twice won the second division while captaining the Canaries.
A road clean sheet is a welcome return to defensive consistency following a combined total of seven goals conceded in the two previous away games, which included the awful 4-0 loss at QPR on April 26.
Leeds United has performed admirably at home this season and knows that all it needs is a one-goal victory to move to the Wembley final, despite their 2-1 loss to Southampton on the penultimate day of the season. After this weekend’s tournament, both teams will be hopeful that West Yorkshire is free of new issues.
