Leeds United striker faces possible ban ahead of Bristol City clash after ‘shameful’ incident

Leeds United could lose a key player ahead of this weekend’s clash with Bristol City. The Robins make the trip to Elland Road this weekend as they look to build on a dramatic late win over Rotherham United on Wednesday night, and they will meet a strong Leeds side. Daniel Farke’s men returned to winning ways themselves on Wednesday night, defeating Queens Park Rangers at home after an away defeat to Southampton.

That move saw Leeds return to the top six, but it may not have been without cost. The Whites were handed a late boost in their win over QPR, with Patrick Bamford going down after rounding goalkeeper Asmir Begovic. The footage shows there was no contact from Begovic, but Bamford still got back on his feet and appealed to the referee for a free-kick, and Begovic was sent off.

The game was all-but over at that point, given the incident took place in the 93rd minute, but it still has plenty of significance. The FA are likely to rescind the red card, but they could also hand out disciplinary action to Bamford.

The FA rulebook, under scope five of the dicsiplinary section, states players can receive “A charge of Misconduct contrary to Rule E3.1 (improper conduct)” in the case of “Incidents of Misconduct relating to the successful deception of a Match Official by way of a clear act of simulation which leads either to a penalty being awarded or the dismissal of an opposing Player.“

Such incidents are fast-tracked as far as reviews go, and this one clearly falls under those guidelines, given Begovic was sent off. The standard ban is two games.

Speaking after the game, QPR boss Gareth Ainsworth said: “I’ve had verification from both players there was no contact. Patrick is a great lad, he’s jumped out of the way and the referee thought he caught him. Hopefully we may be able to get one overturned, we’ll have to speak to the powers that be at QPR to see if we can appeal that. I’m gutted for Asmir, he’s been great for me this season.”

Meanwhile, Tim Sherwood said on Sky Sports News’ coverage: “I don’t think there is any [contact]. When I look at the replay, Patrick might be a little ashamed. He has gone down. When you see it first, it looks like Asmir might have caught him, the way Patrick goes down.

“Jimmy Dunne gets done in behind. Toes it. When you look at it from a different angle. You see the gap. He doesn’t touch him and he goes down. Red card. Surely they are going to appeal that and get off it.”