Leeds United: Missiles thrown at Illan Meslier from Hillsborough stands vs Sheffield Wednesday
Illan Meslier had missiles thrown at him from the home fans behind his goal during the Leeds United victory at Sheffield Wednesday, according to Graham Smyth.
The Yorkshire Evening Post journalist reported via Twitter on 8 March, after the keeper’s long kick started the move which saw Willy Gnonto double the Whites’ lead at Hillsborough, that items were thrown from the stand behind his goal.
TEAMtalk editor James Marshment reported that it was a “venomous” atmosphere at that end of the ground following the goal, after the Frenchman “gave it large” to home supporters in celebration of his teammate’s strike.
Smyth wrote: “Meslier kicks it long, [Patrick] Bamford turns his marker to help the ball on to Rutter first time and he hooks it around the corner to put Gnonto in on goal. Winger runs in and finishes with aplomb.
“Few things thrown at Meslier from stand behind the goal.”
Marshment added: “Brilliant second goal. Deserved. Meslier gave it LARGE in front of the Wednesday Kop and is now getting absolute pelters every time he gets the ball.
“Venomous and he’s now public enemy No 1.”
Andy Hinchcliffe said “bottles” being thrown was “not what you want to see, clearly” live on the Sky Sports coverage (9.27pm), with commentator Ian Crocker branding it “ridiculous”.
Willy Gnonto goal for Leeds United sparks flashpoint between Illan Meslier and Sheffield Wednesday fans
Owls supporters were clearly frustrated by Leeds United coming out of a relatively shaky first half by their usual high standards to become comfortable early in the second.
Sheffield Wednesday are fighting for their Championship future, no doubt increasing the tension in the stands, and have been in very strong form in recent weeks so this was a challenge for Daniel Farke’s side.
Gnonto’s 58th minute strike added to Bamford’s first with virtually the last kick of the first half in front of the same fans and ultimately secured another crucial three points.
Junior Firpo epitomised the growth of Leeds United on the night after he rebounded from a weak first 45 defensively to deliver the key ball for the opening goal and set his side on their way.
The flashpoint with Meslier ultimately blew over and the game seemingly passed off without further incident.
Supporters regularly spend 90 minutes directing industrial critiques at those on the pitch but rarely seem to take it very well when the tables are very briefly turned.
Meslier produced a hugely-important save in the first half to keep the scores goalless from Djeidi Gassama’s shot, and kept a welcome clean sheet, so was entitled to celebrate his role in the second goal.
It was a key win with four teams now closing in on each other at the top and against an in-form side scrapping for survival represents a key hurdle cleared.
In other Leeds United news, a Whites talent has been ruled out for multiple months after breaking into senior football.
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