Patrick Bamford makes admission about incident in Leeds United win v QPR
Patrick Bamford has told QPR boss Gareth Ainsworth that he felt no contact from Asmir Begovic in a late challenge which saw the goalkeeper red-carded against Leeds, according to Graham Smyth.
Taking to X (4 October), the Yorkshire Evening Post journalist revealed discussions between Bamford and the Hoops’ boss after Leeds’ 1-0 Elland Road victory against QPR.
The game ended in controversy after a perceived dive from the Whites’ striker in the 93rd minute of the Wednesday night clash (4 October), but Ainsworth hopes to appeal the referee’s decision to send Begovic off.
Honest
While Ainsworth would have been indifferent to Bamford’s admission at the full-time whistle, the striker’s honesty could see some justice be done.
Decisions are often overturned after the fact, and while QPR would have been frustrated on the night to lose a man in the closing moments, Bamford’s honesty will likely see the goalkeeper’s suspension cancelled.
However, Bamford will have been disappointed when he saw the replay, as his movement does seem to suggest an intent to deceive the referee, even if Begovic was perhaps a little eager to get the ball.
Despite this late incident, no QPR fans would have left Elland Road thinking they deserved a victory. Per SofaScore, Daniel Farke’s side dominated the game with 65 per cent possession, 16 shots to QPR’s three and three big chances created.
Leeds fans themselves may have been frustrated by the minimal scoreline, but following the Southampton defeat, three points were all that mattered on the night. The result of the game was not impacted by the late controversy from Bamford, but anger from the opposition was understandable.
Bamford is working his way back to full fitness, but returned to the bench against the Saints and has had minutes in two consecutive matches from the bench. The Englishman will hope his next game brings him similar attention but for different reasons.
In other Leeds United news, a BBC Sport pundit was wowed by a “composed” first half performance by an Elland Road star against QPR.