Struijk’s appeal against suspension rejected, Elliott says it is 'wrong' - The Athletic 15/9/21
By Phil Hay
Leeds United defender Pascal Struijk will serve a
three-match ban after losing his appeal against the red card shown to him in
Sunday’s 3-0 defeat to Liverpool.
Leeds challenged Struijk’s dismissal for a second-half
tackle which left Liverpool’s Harvey Elliott with a dislocated ankle but the
appeal was dismissed by the Football Association’s disciplinary department
yesterday evening.
The Athletic understands that referee Craig Pawson told the
FA that the decision to issue the red card was his, despite him failing to
award a foul initially.
The incident is believed to have been checked by VAR which
ruled that there was no clear or obvious error.
Elliott used Instagram to defend Struijk afterwards,
describing his injury as an “accident”, but Struijk’s suspension will now begin
during Leeds’ trip to Newcastle United on Friday night.
The Liverpool teenager responded to the news of the appeal
being rejected on Instagram. He wrote: "Sorry about this Pascal. I think
it’s wrong! But it’ll soon blow over brother and you’ll be back in no time
smashing it again. Keep positive."
Leeds owner Andrea Radrizzani also waded in, writing:
"Inexplicable! Even the unlucky Elliott said clearly it was not a foul. It
is human to commit a mistake during the game but when we do have VAR and time
to evaluate and make a rational decision, that’s very hard to accept."
How much of a blow is this for Leeds United?
Leeds were already deprived of centre-backs after losing
Robin Koch and Diego Llorente and Struijk’s absence means Liam Cooper is the
only experienced option available.
Ahead of a key game at St James’ Park — a game with pressure
on it as Leeds look for their first win of the season — Struijk’s suspension is
an unhelpful set-back.
Who will play in Struijk's place?
Marcelo Bielsa is most likely to move Luke Ayling across
from right-back and find someone else to play out wide — Jamie Shackleton,
potentially.
Stuart Dallas would be another option at right-back, while
Charlie Cresswell is another, admittedly inexperienced, option in the middle.