Jack Harrison at centre of ‘heartbreaking’ unseen Leeds exchange outside Pride Park
Leeds United survived an early Derby County scare to progress into the fourth round of the FA Cup, with Jack Harrison afforded a rare start.
Daniel Farke‘s side ended their four-game winless run in all competitions on Sunday, as Leeds beat Derby 3-1 in the third round of the FA Cup.
Ben Brereton Diaz’ goal punished a Joel Piroe missed penalty, but Leeds made some club history in the FA Cup as it is the first time they’ve won a cup tie by more than one goal after trailing at half-time.
Phil Jones credits James Justin’s introduction as changing the game for Leeds, as goals from Wilfried Gnonto, Ao Tanaka and Justin would cap off a dominant second-half display by the Whites, and sealed their place in the fourth round.
Jack Harrison pre-match moment spotted
Leeds were made to work for their win at Pride Park, though, and Harrison was criticised for his Derby performance.
The 29-year-old winger was booked in second half stoppage time, and struggled to really leave his impression on the game.
He didn’t leave a great impression on one Leeds fan in particular before a ball was kicked either, as he’s been revealed to have unintentionally blanked an adoring supporter.
As reported in the Yorkshire Evening Post‘s unseen moments article, a fan described as being “middle-aged” called out to Harrison with “Love you, Jack” as the Leeds star entered the ground.
However, Harrison is detailed to have had his earphones in – perhaps listening to The Sound of Silence at full volume – and as such, didn’t hear the supporter calling his name.
It was jokingly described in the article as a “heartbreaking” moment for the fan in question as he got no response.
Let’s just hope that fan didn’t unwrap a Harrison shirt on Christmas Day, as there’s every chance it’s now going to be used as a tea towel if so.
Daniel Farke’s tactical tweak will seal Harrison’s Leeds fate
Harrison has endured an up and down career with Leeds, having moved to Elland Road on a permanent basis back in the summer of 2021 after spending three seasons on loan from Manchester City.
He played a big part in helping Leeds win promotion to the Premier League in 2020, and went on to become a key player over the next three seasons in the top flight before the Whites’ relegation in 2022-23.
- Harrison has made 219 appearances for Leeds
- He’s scored 34 goals and provided 32 assists
- Harrison has played just 263 minutes of league football this season
Two fairly uninspiring year with Everton would follow before he made his return at the start of this season, but he’s started just one Premier League game in 2025-26.
And with Farke now deploying a 3-5-2 system with wing-backs rather than wingers, the former England youth international no longer has an obvious place in the team.
Therefore, if Farke continues to stick with his new system, then Harrison will surely be allowed to leave Elland Road to seek regular game time.