December
Newsfile

Newsfile Archive

Alan Smith starts the lonely walk to the tunnel

www.lufc.com reports
LEEDS are to appeal Alan Smith's red card during Sunday's shock FA Cup defeat at Cardiff after reviewing video evidence and the player has the backing of City defender Andy Legg.

"We will be appealing. We will be sending a video down to the FA," David O'Leary confirmed on Monday.

Smith was sent off for violent conduct for apparent use of the elbow on  Legg, but slow motion replays showed minimal contact and Smith has cited Newcastle's Craig Bellamy's recent successful appeal as a similar incident.

Leeds Chairman Peter Ridsdale said on Monday: "We will review the tape today and then take a view on Alan's sending off.
 
"It is better to review it in the cold light of day rather than straight after the match."

Smith now faces a four match ban but his manager David O'Leary believes his reputation is now making him a marked man.

O'Leary said: "There is a hidden agenda with Smith and referees jump on him straight away. In the past he has deserved to be punished but now I believe he is a victim of his own reputation.
 
"Rio Ferdinand almost had his ankle broken by a tackle by Gordon and the same player did another one on Jonathon Woodgate yet no action was taken against him.

"It's not as if Smith was going out to whack their player and I was unhappy with Legg's reaction."

Andy Legg said today:  "At the end of the day I've caused the foul because I've held him. I was aware of his pace and I didn't want him to turn me and run me. I was tight to him and holding him, and to be fair to him he was just trying to shrug me off.

"I don't think there was any malice or intent involved. It's just he was trying to get rid of me, and unfortunately he's caught me in the mouth and cut my mouth. I was disappointed to see him get sent off, but it seems you can't raise your arms at all these days.

"You do that and you are in trouble. But I'd be willing to help the lad if necessary - of course I would. I would say exactly what I'm saying here because I think I'm an honest player."