Leeds United: Darren Bent and Andy Goldstein react to ‘horrific’ Dan James incident live on talkSPORT
Andy Goldstein and Darren Bent extended their sympathies to Leeds United winger Dan James after his missed penalty meant Wales would not be going to the Euros this summer.
Bent explained that he would be gutted about the outcome, and slammed “idiots” giving him stick for missing the penalty, but insisted achieving promotion at Elland Road would soften the blow.
Goldstein, meanwhile, shared he has been told James is “one of the nicest” people, admitting that he hopes he is not affected by the miss in the coming weeks and months.
Speaking live on talkSPORT [27 March, 16:54] Goldstein shared: “It might be one of the worst-ever games to lose. Losing any game on penalties is horrific, but losing the one to qualify for the Euros is even worse. I feel for Dan James.
“I don’t know Dan but I know a few people who shared a dressing room with him at Man United and they said he’s one of the nicest people you could ever meet. Whoever misses a penalty you’ve got to feel for them, but I just hope it doesn’t affect him.”
Bent then shared his view: “Do you know what’s worth about it, when both teams score all their penalties and it comes down to one man who missed, it’s the worst thing. When it just comes down to you.
“He’ll be gutted and I’m sure he’s probably getting a lot of stick because that’s what some idiots out there are like. He could still have an unbelievable end to the season because Leeds are flying towards promotion. That’ll help.”
Dan James will be “gutted” after Wales penalty miss
Bent and Goldstein are not the first within football to reach out to James after his miss, with Welsh legend John Hartson also extending his sympathies, as he called for people around the winger to look after him and not throw him to the lions.
The winger will understandably be gutted after throwing away the chance to feature at the European Championships in Germany, but as much blame can be put on those who missed opportunities throughout the game as on him.
For Leeds, James will be crucial to their title and promotion battles for the rest of this season, and they will be hoping that success on the pitch at Elland Road can inspire him to keep up the level of performance he has shown this season.
Before the season began, James reached out to the Leeds supporters to express his love for the club and playing in front of the fans at Elland Road – now they will need to show him the same love as they support their player through the difficult period.
In other Leeds United news, Scottish media have slammed Liam Cooper.
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