MK Dons appeal for Doumbe

The first of three sendings off at Elland Road this weekend is to be appealed by Milton Keynes after the ref involved received criticism from pretty much everyone in attendance. Whilst the red card Doumbe received arguably did little to alter the course of the game, the decision was a harsh one that could potentially leave the player with a four match ban.

When the referee wasn’t handing cards out like it was the 25th of December, he was denying Leeds United what seemed like clear cut penalty decisions. When Max Gradel was brought down in the box, the decision seemed to be an easy one but the referee gave nothing and play continued. Whilst a dodgy penalty decision isn’t unusual in football, the same referee had earlier booked Bradley Johnson as Leeds were denied another penalty shout. I can’t argue against the decision to book Brad, but is it too much to ask for consistency? Either Gradel was play-acting and should be booked or it was a penalty. Doing nothing showed the referee for the useless official he was, and it’s with that in my mind I wish Doumbe and MK Dons every luck in their appeal.

Ben Parker awaits news

Another reminder of our 4-1 victory over MK Dons comes from the official Leeds United website where Simon Grayson reveals that the club are still waiting for news on Ben Parker’s injury. The youngster made his return to the starting XI against the Dons but was taken off in an emotional state, with what looked like a season ending injury, after what has been a horrible injury-plagued season for the young left-back.

Whilst we wait on the outcome of Ben’s scan, I’m sure I speak on behalf of every Leeds United fan around the world in wishing him well. I know he’s had an extremely tough time of it this year and is raring to get back to full fitness. Hopefully this will prove to be only a minor setback.

Snoddy and Kis line-up in team of the year

Two Leeds United players have made the PFA League One team of the year and neither are likely to cause any shocks. Robert Snodgrass’ inclusion is definitely merited in my opinion as the Scot can quite often be our only consistent threat from midfield,

But it’s Patrick Kisnorbo who deserves the most praise in my mind. Paddy received rave reviews from myself and all the other Leeds United fan sites throughout the year and his absence has been a major blow for us. After a fantastic season, it was a real shame that the Aussie’s injury ruled him out of the World Cup this summer as no one else in our current squad deserves to be there more than him.

Becchio in L1 team of the week

Whilst some awards are easy to understand, the Football League’s team of the week has seldom been one of them. A constant joke of an idea all season that shows those involved have watched none of the games before making the selection. This week, Leeds United’s almost compulsory place goes to Luciano Becchio – a player whom I’m sure most fans will agree has done well for us recently.

Unfortunately – and despite the goal – Saturday wasn’t one of those occasions. He was always involved and had plenty of shots, but for the sheer amount of opportunities he missed, his selection is laughable. Meanwhile, the player who really did deserve a place, Sanchez Watt, fails to receive any recognition from the paper shufflers at Football League HQ. I’m sure he won’t lose too much sleep over it mind as I expect most of the players find it as laughable as the fans.