Chris Sutton baffled by 'ridiculous' Patrick Bamford verdict in Leeds United win v Norwich

Chris Sutton has been baffled by a "ridiculous" Patrick Bamford verdict that emerged in the clash between Leeds United and Norwich City.

Daniel Farke's Whites booked their place in the Championship playoff final with an excellent 4-0 win on Thursday (16 May) thanks to goals from Ilia Gruev, Joel Piroe, Georginio Rutter and Crysencio Summerville.

While Bamford was ruled out for both legs of the semifinal clash through injury, Sutton was quick to slam the criticism the English forward gets from those in and around Elland Road, insisting he makes Leeds better.

Speaking on Sky Sports Main Event (16 May, 19:47) he said: "It's ridiculous that the jury is out on Patrick Bamford for what he has done for this club.

"You keep it simple, are Leeds a better team with Bamford in? Absolutely."

Will Patrick Bamford leave Leeds United and Elland Road in the summer transfer window?

While Leeds United managed to get the job done on Thursday night, there will be a feeling around supporters that it could have been much more comfortable had Bamford been fit and available for both games.

The England international had an incredibly slow start to the season and there was a feeling that his days at Elland Road were numbered, but in the second half of the campaign he has shown there is plenty of life left in his legs.

He may not be as exciting to watch as Georginio Rutter or Crysencio Summerville, but Bamford may be just as important. When he starts up top, he seems to make those around him tick and that is invaluable.

Whether he will be fit to play at Wembley remains to be seen but you'd have to imagine the Whites striker won't still be a Leeds player if Farke's side miss out on promotion this term as he won't be short of potential suitors.

In other Leeds United news, a frontrunner has been named in the transfer race for Luke Ayling after his Elland Road exit

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