Credit: Imago

Daniel Lewis

Fri 6 October 2023 21:40, UK

QPR goalkeeper Asmir Begovic has had the red card he received against Leeds United rescinded in a show that Patrick Bamford must learn his lesson.

Begovic was adjudged to have brought down Bamford outside the penalty box in injury time of Leeds’ 1-0 win over QPR at Elland Road on Wednesday (4 October).

Referee David Webb reached into his back pocket and the visitors, having used their allotted substitutes, were forced to field striker Lyndon Dykes in goal for the closing stages.

However, QPR announced on their official Twitter account on Friday (6 October) that the dismissal has been overturned and Begovic can now play against Blackburn Rovers on Saturday (7 October).

While that will have no bearing on Leeds as such, it backs up the view of many that Bamford went to ground without any contact being made on him.

It is not as clear-cut as that, though – after all, why would he not stay on his feet when he had an opportunity to score?

Still, that did not stop Sky Sports pundit Tim Sherwood hitting out at Bamford, stating that the striker should be “ashamed” of his actions.

QPR fans went a step further by setting up a petition calling for the former Chelsea player to be banned from professional football.

While that was surely not serious, Bamford has been mired in similar controversies in the past and simply has to learn.

Some will call it smart play, but if there was no contact – and you really have to look closely to spot any – then it is cheating. As simple as that.

The fact Begovic’s red card was rescinded suggests the powers that be agree.

And if it happened against Leeds, supporters would be quick enough to call it out.

Bamford is a great character, but he needs to get back to scoring goals to ensure he is making the headlines for the right reasons.

In other Leeds United news, Graham Smyth has shared details on something Daniel Farke did at full-time against QPR.