Liam Cooper’s gesture to fan when Leeds United loanee Luke Ayling came out in Boro colours
Liam Cooper gave the Leeds United salute to a fan in the home stand at the Riverside when Luke Ayling emerged from the tunnel in Middlesbrough colours before the Whites’ 4-3 victory on 22 April.
Ayling left Leeds for Middlesbrough on loan in January due to a lack of game-time but was ineligible against his parent club and was therefore not included in the matchday squad.
The Yorkshire Evening Post detailed the reception he received from his former colleagues and the travelling Leeds supporters, with Jaidon Anthony “flashing a grin” at his old teammate and the away fans singing, “You’re Leeds and you know you are” when his face came up on the big screen.
Luke Ayling deserves a proper send-off from Leeds United
Ayling joined Leeds in the summer of 2016 from Bristol City and has been a magnificent servant of the club since.
The defender has made an impressive 268 appearances for the Whites across all competitions, scoring 11 goals and recording a further 21 assists [Transfermarkt].
He was a regular starter throughout his time at the club – until this season, that is – helping the side through four Championship seasons before finally achieving promotion to the Premier League and playing a significant role in the Whites’ three subsequent top-flight campaigns before their relegation last term.
The reception he received from Cooper, Anthony and the travelling Leeds support speaks volumes as to how he continues to be regarded at the club.
However, the right-back’s contract expires at the end of this season, when his loan at Middlesbrough comes to an end, meaning he will be able to join the club of his choosing on a free transfer.
It would be a shame if, before he departs for good, Ayling wasn’t given a send-off befitting a player who has served Leeds so well.
In other Leeds United news, Mike Dean was appalled by what an “awful” Whites player did in his latest controversy.
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