Leeds United head coach Garry Monk has told the Yorkshire Post that he disagrees with the six match ban handed to Liam Cooper and believes it was harsh.
The 25-year-old defender was accused of stamping on the head of Reading defender Reece Oxford during their 1-0 loss to them, with Royals fans spreading footage of the incident on social media after the match demanding that the FA take some action.
And Reading fans got what they wanted as the FA soon acted, charging Cooper with violent conduct before hitting him with a six match ban, meaning he will not be able to return until the final game of the regular season against Wigan Athletic. And Monk has now told the press that he disagrees with the punishment that the FA have handed out, believing that it was incredibly harsh. He also added that even with the ban, Cooper will play an important part in the team over the next few weeks.
He said: “I think it (the ban) is incredibly harsh,”
“But there is nothing we can do about it, we have to accept it and get on with it. I am disappointed for Liam, but he is an important player and he will have an important role to play, even with this suspension.”
“Liam is a leader among the group and he is still going to play that role.”
Leeds’ first game without Cooper will be on Saturday when the Whites host Preston North End at Elland Road. Kick off will be at 3pm.
