Patrick Bamford may have cost Leeds promotion, but not for reason you probably think - opinion

The main takeaway from Leeds United’s clash with Aston Villa on Sunday was the brawl which occurred after the Whites’ opening goal.

Mateusz Klich made it 1-0 despite Villa halting play due to an injury to Jonathan Kodjia. This sparked outrage and the aftermath led to a red card as well as multiple bookings.

Bamford’s cheating

Patrick Bamford was successful in his attempt to get Anwar El Ghazi sent off as he hit the ground as if he had been punched, feigning contact in order to get his opponent dismissed.

There are times where unsporting behaviour like this is somewhat justifiable, instances such as Luis Suarez’s handball against Ghana in 2010 or Sergio Ramos’ theatrics in the 2017 Champions League final, but for Bamford this move just came across as foolish.

Sheffield United were already out of sight for Leeds barring a miracle in terms of goal difference.

Could prove costly

The former Middlesbrough striker didn’t take into account the FA’s power to retrospectively ban players for simulation when he took a tumble on Sunday and that may prove costly for Leeds.

The match at Elland Road was insignificant for both sides, so for the 25-year-old to go to such lengths to try and secure his teams all three points was senseless.

With the injury to Kemar Roofe, if Bamford is retrospectively banned it could leave Leeds without a senior striker heading into their playoff semi-final.

Ryan Edmondson would most likely have to fill the void left by Bamford. The 17-year-old has only made three senior appearances in his career, therefore, being thrust into one of the most important games of the campaign could prove too much for the youngster.

Bamford has netted nine goals so far this season and with their top scorer also out injured, the Yorkshire club’s chances of getting to Wembley may have drastically diminished.

from FootballFanCast.com http://bit.ly/2GTBIEB