Josuha Guilavogui apologises to Farke for what happened after Leeds v Sunderland
Daniel Farke and Josuha Guilavogui were caught up in a bizarre moment as Leeds United scored a late winner against Sunderland.
Elland Road was at its best for Monday’s top-of-the-table Championship clash, and erupted after Pascal Struijk rose to head fellow substitute Joe Rothwell’s cross home with the very last action of the game.
That sparked bedlam from all four sides of Leeds’ famous old ground as they overtook Sheffield United to return to the summit of the second-tier, and the home dugout also went wild with celebration.
Farke was one of several players and backroom staff who spilled out onto the pitch – picking up a yellow card and therefore a touchline ban for doing so – including one of the squad’s most senior players.
Josuha Guilavogui reacts to Leeds United v Sunderland incident
Veteran midfielder Guilavogui wasn’t brought off the bench as Leeds chased down Sunderland’s early lead, but both he and Farke ended up on the pitch – literally – once Struijk‘s winner went in.
Posting on X with a photo of him helping Farke up off the Elland Road turf (18 February), Guilavogui said: “From experience, nothing happens by chance.
“For our supporters, our families, the staff, the employees. LUFC and everyone who believes in us, we will give it our all until the end of the season. MOT.
“PS: Sorry, Coach, for the energy, but the emotion was just too strong!”
Leeds United v Sunderland leaves plenty of ramifications
Guilavogui‘s social media post could well be used by Farke in evidence should Leeds appeal his touchline ban, with a fair enough excuse that his players effectively threw him onto the pitch in their celebrations.
It’s unlikely that Farke will be able to overturn that yellow card decision though, meaning he’s set to miss another crucial game in the Peacocks’ season – away to second-placed Sheffield United at Bramall Lane.
First against second on 24 February could prove to be one of the biggest and best matches of the entire Championship season, and United’s last-ditch victory over Sunderland will certainly whet the appetite.
With Farke absent from the touchline for his side’s biggest game of the season, Leeds could be seen at a disadvantage, but given how well-drilled the German keeps his players, that absence may not be felt.
The bedlam which broke out across south Leeds in the wake of Struijk’s winner could carry the Peacocks to promotion in the final 13 games of the season, with the upcoming Yorkshire derby set to be their toughest game remaining.