It was more than a slip in fortunes was the summary of Leeds United’s recent performances before today’s game against Middlesbrough at Elland Road. Definitely more than a slip in fortunes.
Before today’s much-welcome 2-1 victory over the Teessiders, the Whites had lost six out of their last seven Sky Bet Championship games, including three on the bounce since an impressive win over Bristol City.
Leeds have been pretty abject since losing their unbeaten record to Millwall seven league games ago, being outplayed at the New Den in a 1-0 loss. Today’s game against Middlesbrough gave the Whites another opportunity to stop the rot and begin to reboot their faltering season.
The game itself had added spiciness with it being the return to Elland Road of Garry Monk, the former manager the fans have termed a snake for the way that he slithered out of the club.
At the final whistle, it was a game that the home side deserved to win, with goals from the much-maligned Pablo Hernandez and Ezgjan Alioski seeing the Whites through to a 2-1 win. However, the talking point was the award of a penalty for Boro, duly converted by Britt Assombalonga, which gave them a potential inroad back into the game.
This was the decision against Luke Ayling. Absolute madness.
😡#lufc #MOT pic.twitter.com/9wtlKXKIoh
— Leeds United Live (@liveleedsunited) November 19, 2017
As Leeds United Live (@liveleedsunited) said in his upload (above) to Twitter, the decision was “absolute madness.” After being grappled by Daniel Ayala as the Teessiders awaited a corner, and then thrown to the floor, Luke Ayling grabs the former Liverpool defender’s leg as he strides over him.
Ayala duly goes to ground, and with the ball still being ‘live’ the referee has little to no option other than to point to the spot.
Despite the welcome win, Leeds fans are distinctly unhappy about the awarding of the penalty against them, as can be seen by the following Twitter posts.
Leeds United fans in total disbelief at Boro penalty award
https://twitter.com/GAZB_LUFC/status/932316155154456578
I’m glad we got back to winning ways, Noel. I agree with you on the penalty decision. Referee should of blown whistle for a foul on Luke Ayling by Daniel Ayala. He had is arms around his throat. I’m happy that We’re back to winning ways, though.
— Ryan Hickman (@Ryanlufc1992) November 19, 2017
I would love to hear the linesman’s reason for awarding the penalty today. Talk about see what you want. So many inept officials that are never brought to task. #lufc #Boro
— Leeds United Supporters Club (@LUSCExec) November 19, 2017
f bombs………. I'm not suprised after THAT penalty !!!
— Nick Janney #MOT (@JanneyNick) November 19, 2017
Wish someone could explain this @lukeayling_8 tackled round throat and thrown to the ground yet Middlesbrough get a penalty surely that should of been a free kick to Leeds #MOT #LUFC 💙💛 pic.twitter.com/XS70sOxmeZ
— Emma Houfe (@Emma_Houfe) November 19, 2017
Woah shocker of a penalty decision that against #lufc time for some video replays surely
— sprout 💙💛 (@CSM76) November 19, 2017
That is a shocking decision,never ever a penalty #lufc
— abdul (@CallMeSmigl) November 19, 2017
Ayala wrestles ayling to the floor and gets a penalty for it? How much more evidence is needed that the football league are trying to shaft leeds #lufc #shitrefs
— Prince Adam,nemesis of skeletor (@WitlessWolrab) November 19, 2017
The loud and angry Leeds fans also have some support from Middlesbrough supporters.
I’ve watched our penalty n Ayala was all over your player.
— Nicola Clark (@NicolaC51255305) November 19, 2017