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.

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