Ethan Ampadu makes new Leeds United vow after speaking out on Sunderland controversy
Ethan Ampadu has reacted after he was the subject of a controversial penalty call in Leeds’ defeat to Sunderland on Tuesday.
Daniel Farke‘s side were beaten 1-0 at Elland Road on 3 March, but the circumstances were particularly disappointing as a spot kick was awarded against Ampadu.
Referee Stuart Attwell did not point to the spot, but VAR intervened and deemed the Leeds captain to have handled the ball.
Habib Diarra went on to score the penalty, which was the only goal of the contest, ending the Whites’ 22-game unbeaten run in night games at home.
- Read More: Keith Hackett speaks out on incident in Leeds loss vs Sunderland that left Elland Road ‘enraged’
Ampadu speaks out after Leeds vs Sunderland controversy
Ampadu, who is a favourite of Farke, has made a new vow after the contentious decision went against him.
Taking to Instagram on 4 March, he said: “Fine margins and tough calls last night, but I own my part.
“We’ll regroup and respond in the cup on Sunday.”
That suggests that he is content with the way the decision went and is keen to move on, rather than continuing to talk about it.
Why Ampadu desperately needs to step up now
Ampadu and his teammates need to bounce back, particularly in the league, because the Whites are not mathematically safe at the moment.
The LS11 side are now only three points off the relegation zone, so they could be dragged into it once again with nine matches left to play.
It appeared that they were absolutely safe after a brilliant run in the middle of the season, but two wins from their last 13 in the division have put them right back in danger.
The Welsh midfielder has been one of the Peacocks’ best players this season, showing his maturity and leadership regularly, and he needs to continue that as the season comes to a close.
If Leeds are going to stay in the top-flight, it will be Ampadu who is forced to step up and take the team by the scruff of the neck, and inspire his squad to perform better.
It may end up being a nervous finish for the 25-year-old and the rest of the players at Thorp Arch, if results do not start going their way.
Forgetting the Sunderland incident and focusing on the future is the right thing for Ampadu to do, and clearly he knows that, judging by his vow that he has made.
For more on Leeds, follow Football Insider for updates and analysis.