Sean Longstaff spotted ‘laughing’ on sidelines after ‘old-school tactics’ in Leeds vs Sunderland
Sean Longstaff was seen laughing on the sidelines after a light-hearted moment during Leeds United’s Premier League clash with Sunderland.
On the pitch, it was a disappointing evening for Daniel Farke’s side as Habib Diarra’s penalty gave the Black Cats a 1-0 win at Elland Road.
Joe Rodon thought he had put Leeds in front just past the hour mark, but his header was ruled out by VAR for offside.
Moments later, Ethan Ampadu was penalised down the other end for handling the ball in the box, and although Karl Darlow got a hand to Diarra’s spot-kick, he couldn’t keep it out.
Sean Longstaff steals towel from Luke O’Nien
In the latter stages of the first half, Luke O’Nien came over to the touchline to take a long throw-in.
However, as he tried to grab a towel to dry the ball, substitute Longstaff picked it up and ran away with it.
The Leeds midfielder earned himself a talking to from referee Stuart Attwell, but managed to avoid receiving a yellow card.
After the incident, Longstaff was spotted laughing into his shirt by former Manchester City midfielder Michael Brown, clearly seeing the funny side of his antics.
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, Bridge highlighted the tactics that had been used by Longstaff.
He said: “Sean Longstaff is laughing inside his shirt on the sidelines. He has taken the towel away from Luke O’Nien, so he can’t dry the ball before a throw. Proper old-school tactics.”
Daniel Farke reluctant to use Sean Longstaff
Despite raising some smiles for his actions off the pitch, Longstaff had another disappointing evening.
The was an unused substitute for the second game in a row, not utilised by Farke despite the fact that Leeds were chasing an equaliser in the final 20 minutes.
Longstaff was a regular in the starting lineup in the opening stages of the season, but after missing six weeks through injury, he has struggled to get back in the team.
He hasn’t started a top-flight game since returing to fitness at the beginning of January, limited to sporadic appearances off the bench.
The 28-year-old will be hoping he is given a chance to force his way back into the team in the coming weeks, after Leeds’ second successive defeat.
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