Journalist Conor McGilligan has been left dumbfounded after Leeds United defender Luke Ayling picked up a red card on the weekend.
Just 27 minutes into their game against Arsenal, the Whites were in much trouble. Eddie Nketiah had already struck twice to give the home team a two-goal lead and the Yorkshire side looked destined to drop into the bottom three as a result.
With a mountain to climb already, their hopes of a comeback were given a further setback when their right-back opted to make a tough challenge on winger Gabriel Martinelli.
Indeed, Ayling lunged at the Brazilian with two feet, studs showing, and was predictably sent off for his misdemeanour – albeit with the help of VAR.
Is Luke Ayling good enough for Leeds?
Yes
No
Reacting to the brainless actions of the club’s captain on the day, McGilligan couldn’t believe what he was seeing. He wrote on Twitter: “What on earth is he doing? Captain and you do that? I’m lost for words with this.”
TIF thoughts on Luke Ayling and Leeds…
As a player with over 200 appearances for the Whites, Ayling would be expected to show more composure in the face of adversity. However, the right-back lost his head and will now likely be suspended for the club’s final three games of the season as his red card was given for violent conduct.
His actions mean he won’t be able to help Leeds in the coming weeks as they face a desperate attempt to brings themselves out of the relegation zone, having now dropped into the bottom three.
Taking all that into account, it’s not hard to understand why McGilligan was left so baffled by Ayling’s behaviour. Indeed, his lack of experience at the back in the coming weeks could well cost Leeds their status as a Premier League club – his lack of discipline certainly cost them a shot at any points on the weekend.
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