05 October 2023 , 09:15
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Leeds striker Patrick Bamford was branded a "diving cheat" by a furious commentator after his role in getting QPR keeper Asmir Begovic sent off at Elland Road.
The hosts were leading 1-0 late on, courtesy of Crysencio Summerville's ninth-minute strike, when Bamford latched onto a lofted ball forward. He beat the keeper to the ball with a left foot touch, but tumbled to the ground as he tried to round him.
The incident took place just outside the area, with a stunned Begovic then branded a red card. And replays showed the Bosnian had good reason to be upset, with little evidence of any contact as the striker went down.
And QPR’s iFollow commentary team didn't hold back in the aftermath, with one broadcaster shouting: "There's no touch, he's a diving cheat." Then as the ex-England international placed the ball down 18 yards out, the commentator added: "Bamford the cheat will take the free kick."
He failed to score from his effort, but Leeds held on regardless to move into the playoff places. On the contrary, the R's remain in the bottom three with just eight points from their 10 games.
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But manager Gareth Ainsworth was at least left confident that the decision on Begovic would be overturned, claiming that Bamford himself had confirmed no foul had taken place: "I've had verification from both players that there was no contact," he told reporters.
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"Patrick's a great lad, he said he jumped out the way and the ref has seen it as catching him. Maybe we'll able to get it overturned. Gutted for Asmir.”
Indeed, a ban for the former Chelsea and Stoke stopper is the last thing Ainsworth needs right now as the pressure mounts on the ex-Wycombe boss. The defeat extends QPR's winless run to five games ahead of a clash with Blackburn at Loftus Road on Saturday.
As for Bamford, he could no doubt have done with staying on his feet and finding the net. The 30-year-old is yet to score this season, having struck just four times in the Premier League as his side were relegated in the 2023-23 campaign.