YEP 3/7/21 Gaetano Berardi - Fans memories of a Swiss warrior with Yorkshire grit
He was a Swiss warrior packed with Yorkshire grit.
By Andrew Hutchinson
And there was never a dull moment when Gaetano Berardi was
on the pitch and the faithful loved him for it.
His debut fell comfortably into the running for the worst of
all time: sent off for a tackle resembling a kung-fu kick in a League Cup win
over Accrington Stanley in August 2014.
He was dismissed again at home to Huddersfield Town a month
later, a second red card on his fourth appearance for the club.
Indeed 'How many times was Berardi sent off for Leeds
United?' would make a terrific quiz question. The answer is officially seven.
He received his eighth red card against Millwall in October 2019, at the time
making him the most red-carded player in the club's history, before decision
was overturned on appeal.
Leeds recruited Berardi on a two-year deal from Sampdoria,
part of their influx of 15 signings in July of 2014.
When he did play, his performances on the field impressed
the faithful as well as caretaker head coach Neil Redfearn who called him the
“ultimate professional.”
“He’s got that aggression about him, a competitive edge.
Sometimes he runs a bit close to the edge but he can play. He’s a good
footballer. He can pass and he’s got a turn of pace. His aggression can be his
strength and his weakness," said Redfearn. "He’s ultra-competitive
and he’s a full-back who lets a winger know he’s in a game. You want to harness
that but the discipline side is important too because you want him on the
pitch."
He made more than 150 appearances for Leeds United in total
scoring two goals for the club both of which came on the road.
The first came against Newport County during an FA Cup third
round tie in January 2018 and the second against Salford City in the League Cup
in August 2019.
Your YEP has asked the Elland Road faithful to share
memories of a player whose attitude was always 'side before self.'
Responses included:
Richard Curle - "What every Leeds fan demands of a
player who pulls that shirt on. You don't have to be Lionel Messi but you have
to give 110 per cent no matter who you play. Gaetano Berardi gave us that every
game even if he wasn't on top form he still gave 110 per cent. He got a few
reds and gave away a few penalties. Who cares? He sweated blood for that team.
Love Gaetano and will miss him. All the best and thanks for showing what you
have to give to be a Leeds warrior."
Paul McConkey - "His tackle at Birmingham that led to
us scoring our fifth goal. Swiss warrior packed with Yorkshire grit."
Josh Stone - "When he gave his shorts away to a fan after
a game."
Greg Upton - "His goal in the Cup two seasons ago when
he was captain for the day. We lost but his delight was palpable."
Piers FitzGerald - "His debut against Accrington
Stanley! Loved him ever since!"
Alistair Dixon - "Awesome guy. All Leeds."
Ray King - "Chanting his song at the Bristol City away
game couple of seasons ago, but not fully knowing the words. So lyrics were
written on a beer mat for me by a pal at the ground. Heavy session."
Michael Horton - "Whites warrior."
Leo Beare - "Red cards and that class goal he scored
few seasons back"