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Sky Sports pundit slams 'violent' Daniel James incident in Leeds United v Chelsea
Sky Sports pundit Alan Smith has torn Daniel James to shreds for his sending off in the first half of Leeds United versus Chelsea at Elland Road on Wednesday night (11 May).
James, 24, was shown a straight red card by Anthony Taylor after a dangerously high challenge on Mateo Kovacic.
The Welshman was visibly shocked by the decision but replays show it was a clear sending off.
Ex-Arsenal striker Smith agrees Taylor got the decision spot-on and wasn’t happy with how high James went to make the challenge.
“Well, my initial reaction is one of shock,” said Smith on Sky Sports Main Event [11 May, 07:54pm].
“But as so often with these challenges, it wasn’t an intentional follow-through but it was a really dangerous challenge.
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“He certainly got the ball initially but it’s deja vu after that Arsenal defeat.”
Smith added: “It was an opportunity for Dan James to win the ball and maybe leave a bit on Kovacic.
“He certainly did that.
“It’s just that follow-through, it’s a really violent one that could easily break a leg.
“And it’s high, isn’t it.
“If you look at where Anthony Taylor is, he’s got a perfect view of it.
“It’s an irresponsible challenge, no question about it. He didn’t need to go that high.”
Idiot
Honestly, what is James playing at?
Leeds fans at Elland Road will need to see that challenge on a replay again because it was disgusting and one of the easiest red card decisions you’ll ever see.
Taylor didn’t hesitate to show James a straight red card after his dangerous challenge, the Welshman won’t be seen again this season for Leeds.
That’s another one you can cross off the list for what are now looking like two cup finals against Brighton and Brentford.
We don’t think James has been all that all season, to be honest.
He’s not a striker and even when he’s been played in his preferred position on the wing, he’s been short of expectations.
Patrick Bamford will hopefully be available to play in the final two games, which should soften the blow of James’ red card.
But ultimately, it means we’re another man short and that player is at least capable of producing some problems for defenders.
Leeds are in deep, deep trouble now.
In other Leeds United news, Stan Collymore has slaughtered the Leeds board over a behind-the-scenes decision at Elland Road.