Qudus SalihuLeeds United fans have been left in a state of utter disbelief following comments from Liverpool manager Arne Slot after his side’s dramatic 3-3 draw at Elland Road. The point, secured by a 96th-minute equalizer from the “special” Ao Tanaka, has allegedly led Slot to suggest that the Japanese midfielder should face disciplinary action for his “unbelievable” celebrations with the home support.
Following the late strike that saw Leeds fight back from two goals down, Tanaka was seen embracing the jubilant Elland Road crowd. Slot, however, reportedly labeled the scenes “unprofessional” and an “incitement,” arguing that such high-octane celebrations with fans cross a line and should be punished by the FA. Leeds supporters have slammed the excuse as “pathetic” and “sore losing,” noting that the celebration was a natural reaction to a massive stoppage-time moment against the champions.
”To see a manager call for a player to be punished because he celebrated a goal with his own fans is just embarrassing,” one fan group noted online. “It’s a stupid excuse to deflect from Liverpool’s defensive collapse.” The backlash from the Elland Road faithful is growing, as they rally behind Tanaka—who has quickly become a hero for his poise and impact—while mocking Slot’s attempts to target their new favorite midfielder for simply sharing a historic moment with the fans.
Qudus Salihu
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