Ashley Barnes endures 'worst night' after Leeds United fan treatment v Norwich City

Norwich City forward Ashley Barnes experienced what Phil Hay remarked as "the worst night of his footballing life" at Leeds United on Thursday night (16 May) as the Whites stormed to Wembley.

Barnes and his teammates had a night to forget at Elland Road as Daniel Farke's Leeds side ran out 4-0 winners to book a place under the arch on 26 May.

Many Leeds fans were of the view that Barnes was only fielded by David Wagner to aim to get under the skin of their players and support, but ended up receiving an ironic standing ovation as he left the pitch in the second half, jeered and sarcastically applauded.

Leeds will discover their play-off final opponents on Friday night (17 May) after Southampton and West Bromwich Albion have been separated in a currently goalless semi-final.

Hay wryly posted on X during the match [16 May]: "Ashley Barnes is getting the 'Tyrone Mings' treatment.

"Standing ovation as he comes off. Comfortably the worst night of his footballing life here."

Leeds United raise it when it matters

The contrast in belief, energy and fluidity in the Leeds United team on Thursday night compared to the home stretch of the league season is like night and day.

Whilst debate still rolls on over what Farke's best team is, the German silenced a few critics - many of us included - with a performance against his former club in which Wagner's men didn't lay a finger on them.

Just 90 minutes now separates the Yorkshiremen from an immediate Premier League return - undoubtedly top of Farke's remit. Every player was on song, and extinguished many of the relatable nerves among the packed-out Leeds crowd before half-time.

It was a virtuoso display, but they must repeat it at Wembley if they are to join Leicester City and Ipswich Town in the top flight - it's a given their fans will perform.

With several players out of contract, some of whom potentially said their final goodbyes to Elland Road after the semi-final success, promotion would be a fitting end to their Leeds careers.

In other Leeds United news, Chris Sutton made a "ridiculous" claim about a Whites player ahead of the match with Norwich.

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