Many Leeds United fans have flocked to a tweet from Phil Hay in which he reacts to the news Gaetano Berardi suffered an ACL tear during the club’s fixture at Derby County at the weekend.
Berardi started for Marcelo Bielsa’s side at Pride Park but was forced off after just 33 minutes and replaced by Luke Ayling having picked up the injury. The Swiss defender has only started 29% of Leeds’ Championship fixtures and has featured in 22 of the club’s 45 league fixtures so far.
His contract is due to expire at the end of this season and according to Hay’s post, the Yorkshire-based club was planning on offering Berardi a new contract when the campaign ends. Here is how a sample of the Elland Road faithful has responded.
We should do the right thing and give him the one year
— Bite? (@biteyerlegs70) July 20, 2020
Still give him a contract and take care of him like he has taken care of this club for 6 years and look where its brought US…. to the Prem! He is Leeds and a great player! We love u berra!
— Ruben Nygård (@ruben_nygard) July 20, 2020
That’s terrible news I really feel for him #lufc
— Andy Marsh (@andysallwhite) July 21, 2020
Devastated https://t.co/aHudSKKGnb
— Soph (@Sophie_how) July 20, 2020
Shocked to hear this,Given his all to Leeds United,Hope he recovers well,and leeds offer him a contract sohe can be looked after
— Mick Watkins (@MickWatkins6) July 20, 2020
Unreal
— Tinks (@TVTinks) July 20, 2020
Really want the club to stand by him. A great servant.
— Bielsa for Premier? (@aclr1972) July 20, 2020
Leeds United signed Berardi back in 2014 from Sampdoria and since his arrival, the 31-year-old has made 155 appearances for the Whites (as per Transfermarkt.co.uk). It’s clear from the above responses that these fans believe the club should ‘do the right thing’ and follow through with their plans to offer him a new contract despite his recent injury.
Whatever happens the man has earned “Legend” status at Leeds and will always be welcome back in some shape or form. Hopefully though we can extend his contract and maybe he could cameo a few times later in the season to tick off playing in the prem with Leeds off his list.
— Danny????Osborne? (@Kingdanny30) July 20, 2020
Should offer him a contract and assist him to get his coaching badges, such a loyal player ??
— Gav Jewitt (@Gavj5) July 20, 2020
Although most of the supporters have expressed their desire to see Berardi’s Elland Road stay extended, this fan insists that the club shouldn’t make decisions based on sentiment.
The club can’t make decisions based on sentiment. Berardi took a gamble by running his contract down. It didn’t pay off. It’s doubtful he has premier league ability. His disciplinary record is not at the level it needs to be. Lousy timing but c’est la vie
— David (@David39317197) July 21, 2020
It remains to be seen whether or not Gaetano Berardi will play for the Whites again but it’s clear the majority of these supporters hold the player in high-esteem and would prefer to see the club stick by him.