Leeds United and Aston Villa play out remarkable draw in spiteful showdown
With both teams pushing for promotion, an English Championship game descended into madness as Leeds scored a hugely controversial — before things got even weirder.
Football
Don't miss out on the headlines from Football. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Leeds manager Marcelo Bielsa instructed his team to allow an opponent to score an uncontested goal amid extraordinary incidents in a key second-tier match in England on Sunday.
Leeds scored the opening goal against Aston Villa in its League Championship game while Villa had a man down injured.
Leeds’ decision to not kick the ball out of play before the goal — to allow treatment for the player — sparked a series of on-field melees, during which Villa had Anwar El Ghazi sent off for violent conduct.
Bielsa, the Argentine coach, then told his players to let Villa equalise, leading to the bizarre sight of Albert Adomah running from halfway through the Leeds team and scoring into an empty net. Only defender Pontus Jansson tried to stop Adomah, attempting a swipe at the ball but missing it.
Bielsa then argued with Villa assistant manager John Terry, the former Chelsea captain, on the touchline.
The match finished 1-1, ending Leeds’ hopes of automatic promotion and putting the team into the playoffs. Instead, Sheffield United joined Norwich in getting promoted.
“What happened, happened. And we behaved as we behaved,” Bielsa said.
“That’s all I can say about something which is very clear.”
Asked if he had instructed his players to allow Villa’s equaliser in the interests of fair play or simply to help restore order, Bielsa said: “I don’t understand the difference. I don’t see any difference ... You make a difference between fair play and the circumstances of the game, but for me it’s the same.
“English football is known around the world for its noble features of how we play.”
Originally published as Leeds United and Aston Villa play out remarkable draw in spiteful showdown
Ultimate birthday present helps Brisbane to beat Perth Glory
Roar midfielder Sam Klein has celebrated his 21st birthday in style with his first two goals in the A-League to give the Brisbane Roar a vital win in its battle to avoid this seasons wooden spoon.
New ‘Roo focusing on Sydney task
As thrilled as Alex Grant is to have been named in the latest Socceroos squad, his immediate task is playing well for Sydney FC against Wellington Phoenix on Sunday night.