Troy Deeney slams Leeds fans for ‘unfair’ treatment of star that Daniel Farke loves
Troy Deeney was quick to criticise Leeds United fans after Daniel Farke’s side lost 4-3 to Newcastle on Wednesday.
Harvey Barnes scored a 102nd-minute winner at St James’ Park after the Whites took the lead on three separate occasions.
Brenden Aaronson scored a brace, and Dominic Calvert-Lewin converted a penalty, but their efforts weren’t enough as the Magpies dramatically secured a win in what was one of the games of the season so far.
The result leaves the Whites eight points clear of the relegation zone, and although their seven-game unbeaten run is over, they can take pride in their form over the festive period.
Aaronson has often been a scapegoat for Leeds fans, and Deeney was quick to address the behaviour of Leeds fans towards the USA international.
Troy Deeney names Brenden Aaronson in his Team of the Week
Since joining Leeds from RB Salzburg in 2022, it has taken Aaronson over three years to showcase his full potential.
He has been a breath of fresh air in the last month, registering four goal contributions in his last four matches.
Despite scoring twice against Newcastle, he also gave away a penalty in the 88th minute after Lewis Hall’s cross struck his arm, and Bruno Guimaraes made no mistake from the spot.
Regardless, Deeney named Aaronson in his Premier League Team of the Week and praised him for the adversity he has overcome.
He said: “A couple of goals – though he was at fault for the handball, which was only down to him not being brave enough to take one in the face.
“Scored two and has won over the Leeds faithful. He’s having a really good season and has borne the brunt of some unfair criticism from Leeds fans.”
| Stat | Aaronson |
| Appearances | 110 |
| Goals | 14 |
| Assists | 7 |
Scrutiny has been justified in the past, with Aaronson even going out on loan to Union Berlin in the 2023-24 season to regain some confidence.
His importance to the team now is certainly undeniable, and Farke backed his player to perform even during the tough moments he has faced.
Why Daniel Farke deserves praise for Aaronson turnaround
Before the turn of the year, Aaronson’s only two Premier League goals came in a 3-0 win over Chelsea on 21 August 2022 and in the 2-1 victory over West Ham in October 2025.
After Leeds’ 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa on 23 November, Farke jumped to Aaronson’s defence after a string of poor displays.
He said: “I have to say, Brenden is a player who polarises and can be annoying even for me.
“But I have to say what we’re doing in criticising this young man, then we don’t have to do all these mental health awareness days.
“He represents so many skills we want to stand for as Leeds United. He works his socks off, gives everything, is relentless, and leaves his heart on the pitch. It’s more than unfair at the moment.”
The 25-year-old is hitting levels that weren’t expected of him this season, and if he can continue to develop a good partnership with Calvert-Lewin, then Leeds should steer well clear of the drop zone.
Farke deserves praise for showing faith in Aaronson, with both men now firm favourites among the Leeds fanbase.