Massimo Cellino signing provided more controversy than class at Elland Road — View — Football League World 4/5/24
BY SAM TABUTEAU
Giuseppe Bellusci's controversial stint at Leeds became
symbolic of owner Massimo Cellino's tenure.
Giuseppe Bellusci's time at Leeds United was marked by
controversy and disciplinary issues, overshadowing any positive contributions
he made on the pitch.
Despite being a
regular feature in Leeds' squad, Bellusci's chaotic performances, disciplinary
problems, and controversial incidents alienated fans and led to his contract
being terminated.
Bellusci's tumultuous
tenure at Leeds, characterised by suspensions and clashes with fans, reflected
the chaotic atmosphere during Massimo Cellino's ownership.
Giuseppe Bellusci arrived at Leeds United ahead of 2014/15
with a controversial reputation.
During his time with Serie A side Catania, the centre-half
consistently served suspensions for red and yellow card offences and this
continued during his time in West Yorkshire.
After missing his first two games as a Leeds player due to
being unable to get international clearance, Bellusci made his debut away to
Watford, conceding a penalty and getting sent off in a heavy 4-1 defeat.
It would be a sign of things to come for Bellusci, whose
temperament would continue to land him in trouble during his time in England.
There were even more serious allegations of racial abuse,
which were cleared by the FA. Ultimately, Bellusci was never able to find any
consistency as a result of his antics and his performances suffered.
A reflection of owner Massimo Cellino's chaotic tenure at
the helm of Leeds, one of Bellusci's acts as a Leeds player was to withdraw
from selection the day before Leeds' game with Charlton Athletic due to injury
alongside six other players, a bid to undermine Neil Redfearn, or so it seemed.
Bellusci was prevented from playing the final two games of
that season, with Leeds questioning the sudden nature of his and his teammates'
withdrawal. The group of players were dubbed the 'sicknote six'.
He'd have his contract terminated by Leeds in 2017 having
played just two seasons with the club, returning to Italy with Empoli, whom
he'd been on loan from Leeds with.
His reputation among Leeds fans was clouded by controversy
and disciplinary issues, and he became a symbol of Cellino's deeply unpopular
stint in charge of the club.
Despite Bellusci's reputation, he was a trusted member of
Leeds' squad, making 30 appearances in his debut season with the club. However,
he would've played an even more integral role had he not served four separate
suspensions for yellow and red card offences.
He missed the final games of the season due to his
withdrawal from the squad through injury the day before a game and, despite
endearing himself to the Elland Road faithful with a late equaliser against
Yorkshire rivals Sheffield Wednesday and lethal free-kick in a big win at AFC
Bournemouth, his chaotic performances, which included having to go in-goal v
Rotherham United in April 2016, and disciplinary issues meant he never truly
earned their trust.
He was shipped out on loan to Empoli during the 2016-17
season but returned to Leeds with his reputation still in tatters following two
seasons in which he'd become synonymous for his antics.
Having been laboured with Bellusci despite numerous
controversies, including that allegation of racial abuse involving Norwich
City's Cameron Jerome, his relationship with Leeds' support suffered
irreparable damage when he responded to boos from sections of the away crowd
during a pre-season friendly at Guiseley.
Gesticulating at the crowd, he then went onto social media
to direct a sarcastic jibe at the Leeds support, stating 'fortunately in this
world we have the children to set an example to the adults!'
It was a bitter end to a tumultuous period, not only for
Bellusci, but also the club.
His contract was terminated days later, with fans glad to
see the back of him following a plagued by injuries, controversies and reckless
performances.