Leeds United 1-1 Aston Villa: Sheffield United promoted as Marcelo Bielsa lets visitors equalise in remarkable scenes

Leeds United 1-1 Aston Villa: Sheffield United promoted as Marcelo Bielsa lets visitors equalise in remarkable scenes
Leeds missed out on automatic promotion to the Premier League as Marcelo Bielsa insisted that fair play was more important than a victory for his team on an extraordinary afternoon against Aston Villa at Elland Road.A 1-1 draw meant Leeds’ Yorkshire rivals Sheffield United secured promotion, but Bielsa will draw praise for his actions after Mateusz Klich put the Whites in front in hugely controversial circumstances.

WE ARE PREMIER LEAGUE! pic.twitter.com/hG9szY8M1o— Sheffield United (@SUFC_tweets) April 28, 2019

The home side played on as Villa’s Jonathan Kodjia lay injured and Klich turned the ball in. But after furious Villa protests and a mass melee, which included a red card for Villa defender Anwar El Ghazi, the visitors were allowed to walk in an equaliser and Albert Adomah obliged.Leeds captain Pontus Jansson almost intervened to stop Adomah scoring, as he appeared to disagree with his manager’s decision.The draw halted Villa’s 10-game winning run, and the sides could yet meet again in next month’s play-off final.Villa served early warning of their excellent current form with Andre Green and Kodjia both heading narrowly off-target.Leeds should have taken a ninth-minute lead though. Luke Ayling’s cross found its way to Jack Harrison in the penalty area and the winger mishit his shot from six yards.2

Pontus Jansson was the only Leeds player who tried to stop Adomah scoring for Villa

Ahmed Elmohamady put in a timely block to deny Harrison at the far post soon after as Leeds began to hit their stride.Adam Forshaw lashed a shot from the edge of the area over the crossbar, but Villa responded through John McGinn’s flicked header, which was well saved by Leeds goalkeeper Kiko Casilla.Referee Stuart Attwell incensed the home crowd and the Leeds bench with several contentious decisions, with skipper Liam Cooper and later Bielsa both booked.Stuart Dallas crashed a low shot wide after another spell of concerted Leeds pressure before the break, but the first half ended goalless. Leeds picked up where they left off in the second period after injured defender Dallas and Harrison were replaced by Gaetano Berardi and Tyler Roberts.Forshaw fired inches wide, while Villa midfielder Jack Grealish was wayward with a free-kick before Kodjia spurned a golden chance for Villa when he blazed over from inside the box.Pablo Hernandez went close after trying his luck from 25 yards but both sides lacked composure with the goal in sight.The game’s key talking point then occurred, with El Ghazi’s red card looking extremely harsh as replays suggested his elbow barely made contact with Leeds’ Patrick Bamford.Sky Sports Football2

Bamford went down after a clash with El Ghazi

Leeds were unlucky not to snatch a winner in the closing stages as substitute Roberts’ shot was blocked before Villa goalkeeper Jed Steer brilliantly saved from Hernandez’s shot.

---

Transfer news and football gossip: Eden Hazard hints at

---

David Hopkin has stood down as Bradford manager after just six months in charge of the Sky Bet League One side. Saturday's 3-2 defeat at Walsall left the Bantams 23rd in the table, three points
David Hopkin resigns from Bradford City, allowing one more

---

Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson matches David De Gea's Premier

---

Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud has admitted his future with the Blues looks "bleaker" following Gonzalo Higuain's arrival at the club. The Argentine has signed on loan with the option for
~ Olivier Giroud admits his Chelsea future looks 'bleaker

---

Gunners legend Ray Parlour says he would rather see German midfielder Mesut Ozil leave Arsenal than Aaron Ramsey.. It is no secret that Ramsey is leaving the club at the end of the season after ten years as an Arsenal player and over 350 appearances for the club, after failing to agree terms on a new contract which would see him finish his days at the Emirates.
Arsenal legend urges Unai Emery to AXE Mesut Ozil and give in

---

Arsenal legend Paul Merson says Lucas Torreira wouldn't get in any of Premier League's top four teams. The Uruguayan has provided Arsenal's midfield with some energy and bite since he moved to
Arsenal legend Paul Merson says Lucas Torreira is overrated

---

Harry Redknapp has heaped praise on former Arsenal and England forward Paul Merson after he opened up on his battles with addiction on hit show 'Harry's Heroes: The Full English'. Merson was
Harry's Heroes: Harry Redknapp praises ex-Arsenal star Paul
gistjunction.com/2019/03/20/harrys-heroes-harry-redknapp-praises-ex-arsenal-star-paul-merson-for-opening-up-over-gambling-addiction-on-hit-tv-show/
Harry's Heroes: Harry Redknapp praises ex-Arsenal star Paul Merson for opening up over gambling addiction on hit TV show admin March 20, 2019 Harry Redknapp has heaped praise on former Arsenal and England forward Paul Merson after he opened up on his battles with addiction on hit show 'Harry's Heroes: The Full English'.
Harry Redknapp praises ex-Arsenal star Paul Merson for

---

Arsenal transfer latest: Gunners set to activate clause to

---

Cesc Fabregas completes switch to Monaco from Chelsea to reunite with former team-mate Thierry Henry Written by: fpnews Posted on: January 11, 2019 Cesc Fabregas has completed his move to Monaco, Chelsea have confirmed.
Fabregas completes move to Monaco, reunites with Henry

---

Manchester United news: Paul Pogba misses training but Alexis Sanchez involved ahead of Brighton clash The Red Devils are hoping to make it seven wins in a row when they host the south coast club
Man Utd dressing room CLASH: Paul Pogba and Alexis Sanchez

---

NO CHANCE Mourinho also said he believes he still belongs at the top level of management despite being sacked as Red Devils manager last month Jose Mourinho has rejected talk that he may retire, saying he's "too young" to consider that. He has been out of work since being sacked as Manchester United manager in […]
Former Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho not considering

---

Maurizio Sarri: Only Jose Mourinho has a better win record in first season at Chelsea Whether he stays or goes next season, Maurizio Sarri has certainly had an impact in his first season with Chelsea. The Italian has divided opinion at Stamford talkSPORT 3 days ago
Maurizio Sarri Gives Positive Assessment of First Season at

---

Fans hilariously mock Ligue 1 as Uber Eats becomes French top flight's official sponsor - 'Higuain is on the verge of a move!' by Raphael Honigstein 54 mins ago 54 mins ago 0 0
~ Kilmarnock to install safe standing section for Under-16s

---

Chelsea vs Man United: What time is kick-off? The FA Cup fifth-round tie will take place on Monday, February 18 and kick-off at Stamford Bridge is set for the slightly unusual time of 7:30pm.
~ Chelsea vs Man United: Unusual kick-off time, TV channel

---

Barcelona set to wear 90s-inspired retro shirt as worn by Rivaldo and Luis Figo in Clasico with Real Madrid as they mark 20 years with Nike. Barcelona will reportedly wear a retro special edition
Barcelona set to wear 90s-inspired retro shirt in El Clasico

---