Former Leeds player Pontus Jansson could be in line for an interesting reaction when he takes to the pitch at Elland Road tonight.
Jansson was a hugely popular player with the fans before his summer move to Brentford, who Leeds host tonight in the Championship.
Jansson moved amid claims that he was becoming a disruptive influence behind the scenes at Leeds, although manager Marcelo Bielsa paid him a lot of respect in his pre-match press conference.
Bielsa said Jansson was Leeds’ best player last season and that he believed the fans would give him a fair reaction that acknowledged his contribution to the club.
However, that might not be the case and fans seem split over what to do.
There are still plenty of Jansson supporters and one said he hoped the fans give Jansson “the credit and respect he deserves”. Another said it would be like seeing his ex-girlfriend “with a new lad”.
Anyone thinking of giving Pontus stick . . . Don't.
He loved the club and did a job for us. Give him the reception he deserves. #lufc— All loans aren't we (@DBauer191) August 21, 2019
Tonight is the night!!! I hope we give jansson the credit and respect he deserves. Plus Beat him and get the 3 points obviously!!! ???????? #MOT #LUFC #ALAW ????????
— King Pablo ???????????? #MOT (@Pablo120009) August 21, 2019
Don't think my heart is ready to see Jansson tomorrow I imagine it's like seeing your ex with a new lad ???? #LUFC
— ???? Oli W?lker ???????? (@TotalWhitewash) August 20, 2019
However, the majority of the fans are either sick of Jansson being the focus of attention or seemingly ready to treat him like a traitor.
One said he’d been sold under his market value to get him out of the club quickly. He said Jansson had shown “the biggest amount of disrespect possible to his team and manager… He’s burnt his bridges and cost us millions”.
All I'm seeing is Pontus Jansson this and Pontus Jansson that.. Tonight isn't about him it's about Leeds United & getting behind the team #lufc #mot
— Ryan (@LeedsUtdRyan) August 21, 2019
My thoughts on Jansson: He was literally quoted saying he will “hate us” when he plays us, so anyone who thinks they’re turning up and applauding him don’t bother going to the game. He’s an opposition player at Elland Road he’ll be getting hounded like everyone else. #lufc
— TSSALUFC (@TSSALUFC) August 21, 2019
Too much talk about Jansson surrounding tonight’s game (shock horror). Why can our fan base not just focus on the 11 players that go out and play? Bugger anybody else and what they are doing & who they have, just concentrate on our own ffs…#lufc
— • BILL • (@Billylumsden10) August 21, 2019
Pontus Jansson was sold under value in a flash sale to move him on ASAP because he went against the manager. He showed the biggest amount of disrespect possible to his team and manager. Why all the love for him all of a sudden? He’s burnt his bridges and lost us millions ??????? #lufc
— Bielsa 007 ???????????????? (@BielsasLB) August 21, 2019
Can we not make tonight about Pontus Jansson please? #LUFC
— ?? (@LeedsCARAJO) August 21, 2019
Why can I see a Pontus Jansson bullet header incoming….#lufc
— Luke Barton (@LDJB89) August 21, 2019
One fan summed things up, saying he’d had a sleepless night trying to work out if Jansson would get a good reception or not. On the basis of this evidence, we’d say it could be a really mixed one.
me trying to sleep tonight wondering if Jansson will get a good reception or not. #lufc
Christ! pic.twitter.com/WDR2YjVKBF— J S (@M4rtyFunkhouser) August 20, 2019