Leeds got back to winning ways against Bristol City in the Championship on Saturday afternoon at Ashton Gate, but the victory was dimmed somewhat after defender Gaetano Berardi was sent off for a headbutt on Matty Taylor.
Taylor was also sent off by the referee for his part in the confrontation but it appears that the Bristol City player has come off worst.
The Bristol City manager Lee Johnson said after the game that Taylor’s nose was broken, saying “It’s a bad one”.
Lee Johnson says Berardi has broken Matty Taylor's nose. "It's a bad one." Claims Taylor didn't deserve a red card and they'll appeal.
— Phil Hay (@PhilHay_) October 21, 2017
Berardi will now be set for a stint in the stands after a moment of madness that could have even deeper repercussions for the 29-year-old.
Johnson didn’t complain about the result of the game though, saying that his team got what they deserved.
“As much as I’d like to say we deserved to win, we didn’t. Right from the off.”
Lee Johnson: "As much as I'd like to say we deserved to win, we didn't. Right from the off." #lufc
— Phil Hay (@PhilHay_) October 21, 2017
OPINION
What on earth was Berardi doing? Just as Leeds were getting their season back on track, he assaults an opposition player, potentially breaking his nose with a headbutt. That sort of loss of discipline is inexcusable at the top level of football, irrespective of any provocation. It seems that Taylor confronted Berardi over his challenge and Berardi simply responded with the headbutt. He’ll now be banned for at least three games, possibly more, and hopefully Christiansen will set an example with internal disciplinary proceedings too. Leeds don’t need that sort of thing from their players.
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