A number of Leeds United fans have turned to social media to react to a five word Twitter post from star defender Pontus Jansson in what appears to be a jibe at the consistency of officiating.
The Swedish star was banned for one game after launching an attack on the refereeing performance against Brentford earlier this season, calling it “robbery” and using foul language to express his emotions.
Southampton striker Charlie Austin made a similar outburst to the Swede following the Saints’ draw against Watford, insisting the referee and his assistants had “cost” his side the points, but unlike Jansson escaped without punishment.
Reflecting on the incident, Jansson appears to have turned to his personal Twitter account with a five word statement accompanied by a cartoon drawing of him speaking to Sky Sports which features the statement “Do you think I should be happy?” repeated behind.
His statement beneath read: “Some people can, some can’t.”
https://twitter.com/PJansson5/status/1063409555772710913
Leeds fans jumped onto Twitter to back their star, hammering the FA’s decision not to impose a similar punishment on Austin as they had on Jansson, with some going as far as calling the EFL corrupt.
COMMENTARY
It is completely understandable why Jansson is fuming over the decision not to do anything to Austin, for his comments were on the same level, if not worse, than what the Leeds man had to say – minus the swearing of course. Whatever the reasoning, Jansson’s ban seemed harsh at the time and perhaps those in charge of making the decisions realised that after imposing the punishment. However, even if that is the case, it just comes across as double standards and the Leeds fans have made their feelings very well known is response to their star man’s not-so-subtle jibe at the officiating body. He needs to be careful though, for criticising them could see him end up in hot water once again, and with Leeds searching for a Championship title – or at the very least a play off spot – they need his abilities out on the football pitch, not on the sidelines.
This is Futbol has gathered a selection of the supporters’ tweets:
It's absolutely ridiculous man. He went far beyond what you said…..no fine, no ban. Clear double standard. ?
— Wokisan 1?15?41 (@Wokisan) November 16, 2018
2 game ban incoming ?
— Tom O'Hare (@tohare3) November 16, 2018
@lufc @andrearadri you seriously need to do something and start backing the players and taking this further absolute joke now we get treated as a club compared to others who do the same
— mightywhite92????? (@mightywhite83) November 16, 2018
https://twitter.com/Olly_Ford_/status/1063410037715075076
You are right to put it out there. This isn’t going against any rules if they should make any further allegations, just for posting this, I would contest it all the way!
— Manny (@Manny_S_H_1989) November 16, 2018
Pontus, contact the PFA, this is victimisation based on who employ you! MOT
— KenKev ( I WAS SAYING GOODBYE TO MY HORSE) (@kenkeve) November 16, 2018
Joking aside delete this @lufc it’s just asking for them to do us over
— KidRock private Page (@KidRock85) November 16, 2018
The football leagues corrupt ???
— Andy (@AndyLUFC_) November 16, 2018