Leeds United

Leeds: Alan Smith slams Raphinha’s behaviour vs Arsenal

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Image for Leeds: Alan Smith slams Raphinha’s behaviour vs Arsenal

Alan Smith has slammed Leeds United‘s Raphinha following his show of dissent towards referee Chris Kavanagh during the Whites’ 2-1 defeat to the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.

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Who was sent off in his first game as captain?

Leeds suffered another worrying Premier League defeat against the Gunners, but Jesse Marsch will at least be pleased with how his side rallied in the second half after being 2-0 and a man down at half-time. Luke Ayling received a straight red card for a reckless challenge before the break, and Raphinha was booked for a very strong protest toward the man in the middle.

Smith was commentating on the game for Sky Sports, and was unimpressed with the Brazil international’s behaviour after footage emerged of the incident. He said (via MOT Leeds News), “He’s going to get sent off. He’s chasing the ref.

“What’s his problem? He’s got to concentrate producing what he can produce rather than just having a go at the ref.”

TIF Thoughts on Raphinha

With tensions high and plenty on the line, emotions were always going to be high. However, there was really nothing to complain about. Ayling’s challenge was dangerous and deserved the punishment it got, and he should know better given his experience and status as captain.

Will Leeds stay up?

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Raphinha is arguably Leeds’ best player, having scored ten times in the Premier League this season, and he will be vital to the club’s hopes of top-tier survival across the next three matches. The last thing Marsch needs is for him to be sent off for saying something to an official. As Smith said, the 25-year-old should concentrate on his game rather than giving the officials grief.

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