By Sam Stone

2nd Apr, 2023 | 9:40am

Alan Shearer rages at Luke Ayling on BBC after what he did in Leeds United loss v Arsenal

Alan Shearer was left baffled at Luke Ayling after the Leeds United defender gave away a “stupid” penalty during the Whites’ 4-1 defeat to Arsenal.

Two goals from Gabriel Jesus and strikes from Ben White and Granit Xhaka condemned Javi Gracia’s side to a damaging defeat in North London on Saturday (1 April).

Ayling gifted the home side the chance to take the lead from the penalty spot with a rash challenge on Jesus and Shearer was less than impressed with the 31-year-old.

“I don’t know what Luke Ayling is doing,” he said on Match of the Day (2 April, 29m 09s).

“It’s a stupid challenge there, he actually kicks him in the knee.”

Stupid

The decision from Ayling was beyond stupid.

Jesus’ piece of skill was brilliant and lured the rash challenge from the right back. Playing at The Emirates has proven to be a thankless task for the 31-year-old with his red card at the end of the 2021/22 season still fresh in the memory.

It’s important he refocuses and gets back to the basics ahead of two massive games against Nottingham Forest and Crystal Palace at Elland Road. Home fixtures must be capitalised on and the next week will have a huge impact on Leeds’ hopes of remaining in the Premier League.

Results on Saturday were not particularly kind with Bournemouth and Palace both picking up victories. Nottingham Forest also registered a point against Wolves and will head to West Yorkshire knowing they need a result to ease their own relegation woes.

Gracia will be desperate to have Willy Gnonto and Max Wober back in contention for the visit of Steve Cooper’s side after the pair missed the defeat to Arsenal through injury.

In other Leeds United news, the club are ready to offer a new contract to one first-team star whose deal is up in 2024.

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