Ex-Premier League striker Gabriel Agbonlahor has slammed Leeds United fans after they threw paper cards at the players during their defeat to Manchester City on Saturday afternoon.
Despite putting in a display full of endeavour and spirit, the Whites were ultimately outclassed by the Citizens as they were defeated 4-0. Before the game, fans held up paper cards as part of a crowd display, and subsequently threw them at the City players.
Things took a bizarre turn when Leeds winger Raphinha was also pelted. Speaking on TalkSport, Agbonlahor laid into the fans, saying: “I want them to phone up and explain why they’re throwing things at their own players, never mind Man City players. That’s what I want them to phone up and explain first.
“My six-year-old, I expect to do that when the teacher goes out of the classroom. Not grown men throwing at their own players. Strange behaviour.”
TIF Thoughts on Leeds fans…
It was certainly one of the more bizarre incidents to have occurred this season. Jack Grealish was the main victim, with plenty of paper raining down on him, but it didn’t appear to affect his performance on the left flank. When Raphinha also started to be targeted, it made no sense, and he was quite clearly frustrated when taking a corner.
Leeds are in a perilous position at the bottom of the Premier League table. They are currently 17th, but sit just two points ahead of Everton, having played a game more. They will need some big displays over the next four matches, and to do that, they need to be pulling in the same direction.
Will Leeds stay up?
Yes
No
Jesse Marsch was quick to show his appreciation for the fans’ support after the match, but given the way they targeted their own player, it is hard to understand why. Hopefully, this is only a one-off incident as Leeds look to stave off relegation.