Leeds United controversial moment v Cardiff City emerges on Sky Sports
Rob Jones has zero sympathy for Cardiff City defender Joel Bagan after being shown a red card against Leeds United on Saturday (21 September).
The 23-year-old full-back, up against Wilfried Gnonto, was shown a straight red by referee Joshua Smith after just 23 minutes, with the challenge seen as last-man at the Cardiff City Stadium.
While nothing came of the original decision, Largie Ramazani was able to take full advantage of the extra man, firing home just seven minutes later to score his first goal in Leeds colours in the 2-0 win.
Speaking live via Sky Sports’ Soccer Saturday (21 September, 3:31pm), Jones said: “Sun shining in Cardiff but the storm clouds continue to gather for Cardiff City, who are down to 10 men for the majority of this game. It’s a brilliant ball down the line from Junior Firpo, up towards Gnonto.
“He has Joel Bagan on his back, and I think he’s a bit too tight on him because Gnonto is able to roll him on the edge of the penalty box and drive into the box. Bagan knows exactly what he’s doing, and has a big tug at his shirt.
“To be fair to Gnonto, he tries to stay on his feet as he stumbles and the referee brings it back.”
Leeds United get huge win v Cardiff City
Daniel Farke will have been licking his lips after seeing the Bluebirds going down to 10 men, especially with how his attacking players are gelling right now.
Gnonto, of course, is Farke’s biggest threat after the departures of Crysencio Summerville and Georginio Rutter, but the addition of Ramazani has certainly taken some of the pressure off his young shoulders.
Manor Solomon’s absence also does not look as crucial as it did before kick-off, with the Israeli international missing from the matchday squad completely.
There is absolutely no doubt Bagan deserved to be sent off for his last-ditch challenge on Gnonto, and Erol Bulut can have few arguments to suggest otherwise.
Even despite Pascal Struijk’s missed penalty, Leeds were able to all but secure all three points from the Welsh capital through Joel Piroe, squashing the life out of Cardiff’s 10 men.
In other Leeds United news, the Whites are absolutely gutted as injury news drops at Elland Road.
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