16 December 2023 , 19:50
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Leeds’ frustrations boiled over following their 1-1 draw with Coventry with a number of players having to be restrained after a full-time brawl.
The Yorkshire side had to make do with a point against Mark Robins’ side after in-form winger Crysencio Summerville and Bobby Thomas had exchanged second-half strikes. It is the second match in a row that Leeds had failed to win after their 1-0 defeat to Sunderland last time out.
Players were clearly disappointed with the result as a post-match fracas broke out. Summerville appeared to turn down fellow goalscorer Thomas’ offer of a handshake.
He instead reacted badly to the defender, with Coventry star Joel Latibeaudiere intervening. Wilfried Gnonto then attempted to calm things down as he got between the pair.
The Italian was able to take Summerville down the tunnel with assistance from Georginio Rutter. The ugly scenes were not done there though as Kasey Palmer then got involved and too had to be restrained by his Coventry teammates.
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Mark Robins was asked about the fight during his post-match press conference but claimed it was just born from frustration on Leeds’ part. He said: "It’s handbags. It’s desire to win a game. It hasn’t gone right for one team and we’re happier with the draw than them.
"They will be frustrated they haven’t steamrollered us - that’s the expectation of teams that are expected to get promoted. That’s the challenge for them. Teams are going to come here and not roll over and die. That’s why promotion at any level is really hard-won.
Crysencio Summerville had to be led away by Wilfried Gnonto (Getty Images)Who will get promoted from the Championship this season? Share your predictions in the comments below
"They’re a really good side, but we have kept them as quiet as I’ve seen them. I’m really proud, the players have been outstanding this week and that is an outstanding result after the one at Southampton.”
Meanwhile, Leeds boss Daniel Farke was asked about the mindset of his side but doesn’t have too many concerns. The German said: “I don't want to make them get their chins up today, I want them to feel the disappointment, this helps them next time to feel more brutal, more greedy, more focused. I don't want to take this pain away, it's quite crucial.
“I will allow them to be down for two days and then we will go again. We were not too high after seven wins in a row at Elland Road.
Wilfried Gnonto was forced to intervene (Getty Images)“It's not also today we have to go to a funeral, we're still unbeaten at home. It's just frustrating today. I want them to feel this and for the next game we'll be ready to go again.”
Leeds now sit ten points off the pace in the race for the automatic promotion spots after Ipswich’s 2-2 draw with East Anglian rivals Norwich. They take on Kieran McKenna’s side next weekend at Elland Road.
Leicester still lead the way in the second tier and could extend their gap at the top of the table when they take on Birmingham on Monday.