Junior Firpo misses Leeds United v QPR [Credit: Imago]

Junior Firpo decision 'fast tracked' by FA ahead of Leeds United v QPR

Jonny is a University of Leeds journalism graduate who became part of the FootballInsider team in Spring 2024, and recently worked as Head of Media for Widnes Vikings Rugby League club. Writing as a freelance reporter and commentator for The Sporting News and StatsPerform, he has covered matches in competitions including the FIFA Men's and Women's World Cups, as well as the Champions League, Women's Euro 2022, Six Nations and the Rugby Union World Cup.

Published on:

09 Nov 2024, 9:13 am

Junior Firpo's ban in the lead-up to Leeds United against QPR on Saturday was deliberately brought forward by the FA, according to Graham Smyth.

The Yorkshire Evening Post journalist posted on X (9 November) after Firpo was banned for three games on the morning of the clash with QPR, following a headbutt in their 1-0 loss at Millwall in midweek.

Firpo's apparent headbutt on Millwall defender Danny McNamara wasn't seen by the on-field referee, but the FA have quickly taken action with the ban issued just one day after the charge was raised.

Smyth said: "(The) charge came through Thursday, and after Leeds put forward their case, the FA made their decision on Friday night.

"(The decision was) fast-tracked due to clarity being needed on whether he could play today (against QPR)."

Junior Firpo decision must not distract Leeds United against QPR

Losing Firpo at such short notice – a matter of hours before kick-off at Elland Road – could potentially have a derailing effect, but they must rise above the distraction.

Daniel Farke was therefore forced into making a change at left-back as one of three, with Sam Byram slotting in as new signing Isaac Schmidt continues to be given limited minutes.

For those asking on the timing: charge came through Thursday and after Leeds put forward their case the FA made their decision on Friday night. Fast tracked due to clarity being needed on whether he could play today. https://t.co/AthITz0F5c
— Graham Smyth (@GrahamSmyth) November 9, 2024

Byram proved an able deputy when standing in for Firpo against Bristol City two weeks ago, and Farke will be hoping the versatile full-back can replicate that display in a must-win game for the Whites.

With United sat third in the Championship table and QPR languishing second-bottom, nothing less than three points will do for the Whites, particularly given their disappointing midweek defeat in the capital.

Having Firpo – who has excelled for club and country in 2024 – would no doubt be a massive bonus for Farke, but if United fail to win this game, he cannot call on his number three's absence as an excuse.

In other Leeds news, Daniel Farke won't be happy after one of his currently injured players was called up for international duty.

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