Pascal Struijk and Illan Meslier, Leeds United players. Credit: Imago

Graham Smyth reveals what Pascal Struijk told him about Meslier howler in Leeds United defeat

Senior Correspondent AUTHORITY Senior football journalist specialising in refereeing and officiating; former contributor to The Football League Paper, Late Tackle, and the Premier League; University of Derby graduate. FOCUS Refereeing controversies, football finance and governance, PGMOL decisions, and officiating analysis across the Premier League, EFL, and SPFL. THE INSIGHT Harri utilises a network of officiating and industry contacts to deliver verified, expert analysis of refereeing decisions and PGMOL policy. He provides the regulatory clarity behind the controversy to ensure fans get the full picture.

Published on:

10 Oct 2024, 11:10 am

Graham Smyth has revealed Pascal Struijk saw the ball take a "wicked spin" before Illan Meslier's blunder in the Leeds United draw at Sunderland.

The Whites looked to be just seconds away from claiming an important win at the Stadium of Light on Friday 4 October before a horror moment struck for the French shot-stopper.

In the 97th minute, a simple bouncing ball illuded Meslier and dribbled into the back of Leeds' net, which saw the sides split the points despite Daniel Farke's side dominating for much of the game.

Speaking via the Inside Elland Road podcast on Thursday (10 October), Smyth said: "I've had an explanation from Pascal [Struijk], who was close to it, and he said the ball took a really wicked spin, but he wasn't really attempting to mollycoddle Meslier."

Illan Meslier haunted by Leeds United mistake v Sunderland

The best thing for Meslier is for the entire team to put a metaphorical arm around him and keep his confidence up ahead of the crucial clash against Sheffield United following the international break.

With the ability to pull off some stunning saves, the 24-year-old has saved the Whites on several occasions, but fans, understandably, are frustrated with the number of mistakes he seems to make at key moments.

That is just part and parcel of being a young goalkeeper on the big stage, something that Meslier can only learn from as he continues to master his trade between the sticks.

😨 LATE drama! #EFL | #SkyBetChampionship pic.twitter.com/UwdRIGYPcU
— Sky Bet Championship (@SkyBetChamp) October 4, 2024

With 37 matches of the Championship campaign remaining, the shot-stopper will have plenty of moments to prove his worth to the Elland Road crowd and put this awful mistake behind him.

He can certainly do that when Farke's side welcomes Sheffield United, the team sitting second in the Championship and joint on points with leaders Sunderland, to Elland Road on Friday 18 October.

In other Leeds United news, Sky Sports pundits have been slammed after what they said about a "quality" Elland Road star recently.

For more Leeds news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.

Leeds United