As reported by Phil Hay at The Athletic yesterday, Leeds United had submitted an appeal on Tuesday against Pascal Struijk’s red card received during the Premier League clash with Liverpool on Sunday.
Today however the Yorkshire club have been notified that the decision will be upheld meaning that Struijk will now face a three match ban for the tackle that left Harvey Elliott facing a long spell on the side-lines.
Struijk, who was on as a substitute for the injured Diego Llorente was given his marching orders in the 60th minute in a game the Reds went on to win 3-0.
The Dutch defender was trying to retrieve the ball as Elliott threatened on the counter attack. His sliding tackle however left Liverpool’s 18 year old prone on the floor and Mohamed Salah urgently gesturing for medical assistance.
Struijk took to Instagram on Sunday evening to explain his regret at what had occurred.
Leeds United defender Pascal Struijk on Instagram after the game vs Liverpool. #LUFC #LFC #LEELIV pic.twitter.com/cEIMoEKP0H
— 🆁🆄🆂🆂 (@Sports_journo_X) September 12, 2021
This afternoon, Elliott posted a message of his own on Instagram in response to Sky Sports announcing the decision that Leeds had lost the appeal.
How classy is this by the way 👏🏼 #harveyelliott pic.twitter.com/S8Y1ByO5QR
— Bianca Westwood (@beewestwood) September 15, 2021
Leeds now have a crisis at centre back ahead of their match at Newcastle on Friday evening. They were already likely to be missing the injured Llorente and Robin Koch but face a further problem with Struijk now ruled out.
The views of most pundits and players has been unanimous that there was no malicious intent in the tackle. Ex referee Dermot Gallacher explained however it would have been difficult for Craig Pawson to not hand out a red card.
🗣"Struijk had no intention to injure the player, but in this incident, it is very difficult to say it is not a red card."
Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher talks through the process taken when sending off Pascal Struijk for his challenge on Harvey Elliott. pic.twitter.com/IBjmx6z6Jo
— Football Daily (@footballdaily) September 13, 2021
Liverpool confirmed on Tuesday evening that Elliott had undergone successful ankle surgery in London. It is not clear how long he will be out but it is expected that he will make his return this season.