A few Leeds United fans were buzzing to see the return of Jordan Stevens after his six-week ban for breaking betting regulations.
The FA decided that the 19-year-old should be banned for six weeks form all football-related activity – which meant that not only could he not play any football, but he also was not allowed to train.
This seemed a very harsh punishment for a young midfielder who had made a silly mistake, and instead of giving him help, the FA decided to essentially lock him in his house for 42 days.
It was a strange way to treat a 19-year-old.
Monday night saw him make his return for the youth team, and he turned in a composed display against Burnley, where he completed 92.8% of his passes.
This has delighted many Leeds fans.
Jordan Stevens vs Burnley u23s
92.8 % Pass accuracy
3 Take-ons
1 Key PassDid a lot of defensive work tonight in a tough game against an unbeaten side. Great to see him back playing ?? #LUFC pic.twitter.com/mHfUXGAA28
— FocusOnLeeds (@FocusOnLeeds) October 28, 2019
Played really really well. I think hes brill. Weve missed him.
— kathleen williams?? (@miffy0811_a) October 28, 2019
Played very well
— Pasquale Hester?? (@statdwarfe) October 28, 2019
I went, he had a good game. Created a few chances and completed a few take ons if I remember rightly.
— CBM Primate (@CBMPrimate666) October 28, 2019
Other Whites supporters were just pleased to have Stevens back from his ridiculous ban.
Well done Jordan good to see you back xx
— pauline Thompson (@Apothecary2019) October 29, 2019
Sounds like the perfect response to his ridiculous ban
— Andy C (@andycunny) October 28, 2019
One fan was so keen to see Stevens that they even asked for match footage.
Any footage?
— LJM (@passittopablo) October 28, 2019
What do we think?
Stevens was treated very harshly by the FA, and though they have strict rules about betting, the 19-year-old was not given the support he needed and was instead treated like a child.
It was good to see that he performed well for the Under-23s, especially considering the fact some first-team players were involved.
He is now in the best place to learn from his mistakes and hopefully progress his career with Leeds.