By George Overhill

16th Mar, 2022 | 11:40am

Tony Dorigo: Importance of Leeds United winner was reason for such emotion in 'unrelenting' drama

The “unrelenting” drama when Joe Gelhardt scored the winner for Leeds United made it impossible not to “let it all out” says Tony Dorigo.

The former Whites title-winner works on the Serie A coverage for BT Sport but has been commentating on United games for United’s in-house TV channel, and joined in with the celebrations when the young striker turned in the 94th-minute goal to bear Norwich.

An injury-time equaliser from Kenny McLean looked to have robbed the hosts of two crucial points as they look to climb away from the relegation zone, but there was still time for a dramatic final act.

Writing in his Yorkshire Evening Post column, the ex-United defender said: “Normally, it’s not difficult to detach my emotions from my job when I’m commentating on Italian games or international fixtures.

“That 60 seconds against Manchester United was probably the best 60 seconds I’ve had down at Elland Road, and Norwich was another of those moments when it just all comes out. You have to let it all out.

“All hell broke loose. The emotion, the screams from Bryn and me and everyone in the stadium was just amazing. It was unrelenting.

“It felt like winning the Champions League, World Cup and FA Cup all rolled into one when, in reality, all we’d done was beat the worst team in the Premier League at home.

“It’s a strange thing, but it felt that good because it was that important. That’s why the emotion came out.”

Excused

If you can’t join in with the emotion of a situation like that when you are working on the club’s own station then when can you?

Moments of unbridled celebration have been few and far between for those connected to the club this season.

The significance of the goal, and the manner in which is arrived, would have made it hard for anyone affiliated with Leeds not to react the same way.

It is only a start, but it was so crucial after the disappointment of a dreadful performance in defeat to Aston Villa.

The result gave new manager Jesse Marsch his first win, and despite only being against the Premier League’s bottom club, it should instil some new belief that not all the luck is against the players.

While largely being torn apart in the defence, the team has hit the opponents’ goal frame a number of times in recent weeks.

Brazilian star Raphinha, likely to leave in the summer, and his belief to drive forward and assist the winner, so soon after the late equaliser, will surely have given belief to his teammates.

So there may be hope yet of remaining in the top flight.

In other Leeds United news, a fan group has petitioned the Lord Mayor over a major honour for an ex-Whites hero.