Telling Gnonto gesture, lost boot draws referee action in Leeds United moments missed - Leeds Live 26/8/23
Leeds United played out a 4-3 thriller with Ipswich Town in the Championship at Portman Road on Saturday and here are some of the moments you may have missed
By Beren Cross
Very good [to see you], Davis
Leif Davis had four years with Leeds United and made a lot
of friends during his time at Elland Road, largely as part of the under-23
ranks. He has now made a very good start with Ipswich Town and played a key
part in last season‘s promotion from League One.
He was only too happy to catch up with United staff as well
as ex-team-mates as they arrived pre-match, like Pascal Struijk, Charlie
Cresswell, Crysencio Summerville, Jamie Shackleton, Sam Greenwood and Joe
Gelhardt.
Rutter acknowledges the support
Amid the glow of his first goal in Leeds colours, Georginio
Rutter was the apple of the away support’s eye. As his name was being sung
during one break in play, the Frenchman ensured they were not ignored, with a
clap in their direction for the love.
Ayling’s in-match catch-up
While a lot of the younger faces caught up with Davis before
the game, Luke Ayling took his chance during a break in play in the game. As
the ball went dead on the other side of the field, the right-back went over to
the left-back, gave him an embrace and put his arm over his shoulder as they
chatted and laughed together.
As the match approached the hour mark, energy reserves were
running low for a few players. Gels are a standard sight on the pitch as the
players look for a little boost, but there was something different from the
Leeds touchline.
Leo Hjelde played his part on the medical staff and acted as
tablet dispenser. He, rather than anyone in the staff, came out to give Ayling
two of something in the 57th minute.
Loose boot
Jamie Shackleton had a busy half after coming on at the
break. He was given the run around by Ipswich threat Wes Burns and saw his name
go into the book for rolling the ball away when a free-kick went against him.
In the 59th minute, when he went to clear the ball, he
shanked the effort and sent his boot flying into the air and 20 yards away, but
the play continued. He was appealing for the referee to do something, but Bobby
Madley was under no obligation to do so.
It took a good 60 seconds or so for the ball to go dead in
order for Shackleton to retrieve his boot. Even then, Madley was not happy with
how long it was taking the midfielder and ordered him off the field to tie it
up.
Gnonto celebration
Wilfried Gnonto has been the talk of the town for the past
few weeks. The Italian forward's refusal to play for the Whites and subsequent
recall has been setting headlines this week.
The teenager found the net as he would have hoped to, but
then could not resist putting his finger to his mouth in a shushing motion as
he ran past the home fans behind the goal.
