Leeds United should not pay Junior Firpo during FA suspension
Keith Hackett insists that Leeds United defender Junior Firpo should not be paid during his three-match suspension at Elland Road.
The FA have charged the left-back after he was spotted on camera appearing to headbutt Millwall defender Danny McNamara in the 1-0 defeat at the Den on 6 November.
Hackett admits that he can have no complaints over his indiscipline, and should be punished by the club during that period.
Speaking exclusively to MOT Leeds News, Hackett, an ex-FIFA official and PGMOL chief, admitted that reviews need to be taken to see how it was missed.
“The Premier League and Championship are beamed around the World often with a minimum of 22 cameras at each game,” he said.
“It is inconceivable that any player can think that an off-the-ball incident can be missed. Junior Firpo deserved his three-match ban having head-butted an opponent.
“Players should be aware that even with no VAR in operation, this type of post-match review by the authorities of incidents of this type will be acted upon.
Junior Firpo banned by FA at Leeds United
“I hope that the Match Referee will also review the incident and determine why it was missed by him and his colleagues during the match.
“Indiscipline so should frankly not be paid during his time of suspension.”
The FA fast-tracked the decision to suspend Firpo ahead of the 2-0 win against Queens Park Rangers on 9 November, with it being announced hours before.
Sam Byram stepped in but wasn’t at his best as Jayden Bogle and Joel Piroe got the goals to send the Whites back second in the Championship.
In other Leeds news, details of the Whites’ 2025/26 Adidas kit have been leaked with an interesting design choice.
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