Junior Firpo and Joe Rodon, Leeds United defenders. Credit: Imago
Junior Firpo and Joe Rodon, Leeds United defenders. Credit: Imago

Joe Rodon and Junior Firpo spotted having angry words in Leeds United v Plymouth Argyle

Harri Burton

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.

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Graham Smyth spotted Joe Rodon and Junior Firpo having angry words as the teams exited the pitch for half-time in Leeds United versus Plymouth Argyle on Saturday.

Daniel Farke's men had given themselves a healthy three-goal lead over the Pilgrims thanks to first-half goals from Dan James, Joel Piroe and Brenden Aaronson.

However, two of the players were clearly unhappy with something during the opening 45 minutes at Elland Road, with Rodon and Firpo having to be separated on 2 November.

Writing via the Yorkshire Evening Post [3 November], Smyth said: "Rodon and Firpo having angry words as they came off at half-time, Gnonto getting in the way to push the latter down the tunnel and Mateo Joseph putting a hand on Rodon's shoulder."

Leeds United players clearly hungry for more after Plymouth Argyle rout

While arguing amongst players normally has negative connotations, the same scenario while 3-0 up at half-time will only be a good sign for Farke this season.

The players are clearly hungry to secure promotion to the Premier League after missing out narrowly last term, and Leeds could have been more than three goals ahead at Elland Road.

Farke's side certainly took their foot off the gas for the second half, but with fixtures coming thick and fast over the next couple of months, it was more a case of good game management from the players.

Daniel Farke, Leeds United manager
Daniel Farke is in his second season at Leeds United. (Credit: Imago)

Considering how many injuries that the Whites have suffered so far, including Ethan Ampadu, Ilia Gruev and Largie Ramazani, Farke cannot afford for any more of his players to become unavailable.

It is unknown exactly what the defensive pair were arguing about, especially given that Leeds kept their third clean sheet in four games, but whatever was said seems to have been squashed quite quickly.

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