It is tempting to say that Ayling & James were just taking Marsch's instructions that "das ist nicht ein fucking freundlichspiel" a little too far. (That was nicked from The Square Ball, sorry.)
But I do think there were, if not extenuating circumstances, at least underlying reasons for both mad tackles. Sad to say it, but at least some of the blame for Ayling's has to go to the Leeds fans! There they all were, in their loyal loud thousands as always, 200 mls from home, struggling to pay their bills but still finding a way to get there............and Leeds were already 0-2 down and had gifted one of the goals to bloody Nketiah..........and there right in front of the fans was the wriggly bastard who had been running Ayling ragged and had set up the 2nd goal...........the outcome was inevitable really. So many "pundits" said :"What was he thinking?" I think it was a clear (although probably misguided) risk and reward situation: the risk was that he overdid the thing a little and would get a red card, but the reward if he managed to pull off a fair but clattering challenge in that very corner of the ground would have been huge; a massive roar from the Leeds fans who would get even more behind the team and a boost to the rest of the side seeing their captain was not going down without a fight. Worth the risk? In the heat of the moment when he had to decide in a split second? I don't know, but me I'm not condemning him. As for James, I think his challenge was a result of simmering resentment over the failure of the ref to even penalise let alone sanction the Chelsea player who had taken him out a few mins earlier when he was free and heading for goal. I'm pretty sure that was the same ref who was atrocious in the game v Soton a few weeks ago.........and who didn't give us a penalty when Gelhardt was felled in the box at the end.This one was so obviously a foul. Why would James dive there...........to exchange a clear one v one against the keeper for a nothing freekick in the middle of the park? _______________________________________________ Leedslist mailing list Info and options: https://mailman.gn.apc.org/mailman/listinfo/leedslist To unsubscribe, email [email protected] Find us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/leedslist/ Rest in Peace Guy, and wear your hat!
