Jobe Bellingham torn into for ‘ridiculous’ incident in Leeds United clash v Sunderland
Don Goodman has torn into Jobe Bellingham for a “ridiculous” challenge on Joel Piroe in the clash between Leeds United and Sunderland.
The Whites headed into the international break with another point under their belt as they drew 2-2 at the Stadium of Light on Friday (4 October) as goals from Joel Piroe and Junior Firpo were undone by a late error from Illan Meslier.
While there was plenty of needle between the two sides throughout the game, Sky Sports pundit Goodman was quick to slam Bellingham as he picked up a yellow card for blocking Piroe at the start of the second half.
Speaking on Sky Sports Main Event (4 October, 21:04) he said: “It’s really silly. You see these kick-offs all the time, players trying to block anyone that wants to close down.
“Jobe Bellingham just oversteps the mark. He actually pulls him back and that’s a ridiculous thing to do.
“He’s got to tread carefully now.”
What did Jobe Bellingham do for Sunderland against Leeds United?
It is refreshing to see a referee actually get their cards out of their pocket and punish a player for this sort of challenge, especially when it was at such an unnecessary point of proceedings.
Piroe was never going to close the ball down and was just looking to speed things along so there was absolutely no need for Bellingham to challenge the Dutchman, let alone block him off in such a physical manner.
On the whole, it was a much-improved display from the Leeds United forward. In possession, he carried a consistent threat and found himself in some excellent areas and when he took aim at the goal, he repeatedly tested Anthony Patterson.
He looked much more comfortable as the genuine number nine in the side rather than a number 10 behind Mateo Joseph.
While some will suggest the Spaniard should have started ahead of the 25-year-old, Piroe has shown once again that he has a major role to play in Farke’s side this season.
In other Leeds United news, Ally McCoist has reacted to “nightmare” news out of Elland Road earlier this season
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