Leeds United: Journo shares what Wilfried Gnonto did at full-time v Sheffield Wednesday
Wilfried Gnonto headed straight down the tunnel following the stalemate between Leeds United and Sheffield Wednesday, rather than join his teammates in clapping supporters, according to Graham Smyth.
The reliable journalist was in attendance at Elland Road for the 0-0 draw on Saturday [2 September] as Leeds were left frustrated by their Yorkshire rivals on home soil.
In his column for the Yorkshire Evening Post‘s online edition on Sunday [3 September], Smyth shared a moment that many may have missed.
“As the players made their way around the pitch thanking Elland Road for its support, Pascal Struijk, Joe Rodon and others removed their shirts to give them to delighted supporters in the West Stand and Kop,” Smyth said.
“Gnonto elected not to join his team-mates and headed straight down the tunnel.”
Frustration
Gnonto would have been doubly frustrated at full-time against Wednesday, you’d imagine, as he failed to make a difference in Leeds’ first game after the transfer window had closed.
The Italy international was eager to move away from Elland Road this summer, but the club stood firm and refused to sell him to Premier League side Everton.
Gnonto did not even attempt to curry favour United fans after the match, opting to head for the changing room rather than thank them for their support.
In terms of his performance, Gnonto looked a lot better in the second half and had some promising moments, including one such instance in which he felt he should have been awarded a penalty.
There is still a long way to go if the 19-year-old is to build bridges with Leeds fans. The best way of doing that, of course, is by knuckling down and finding his scoring boots.
In other Leeds United news, Joel Piroe made an admission on social media following his home debut.