Leeds United striker Patrick Bamford claims Sheffield United defender Mason Holgate made the worst challenge he has ever seen last month.
Holgate was making only his third appearance for the Blades since signing on loan from Everton in January, and he was sent off after 13 minutes in a 5-0 loss to Brighton & Hove Albion.
The 27-year-old had been with Leeds’ promotion rivals Southampton for the first half of the season but had barely played, so he moved elsewhere during the transfer window.
Leeds were also on the lookout for a centre-back themselves and were linked with Holgate, but opted not to bring another in and so he went to Sheffield United.
Bamford selects Holgate for Mitoma tackle.
He continued, “Did you notice, when we were talking about how players react, that some players claimed Mitoma made a big out of that tackle? Joe, honestly, that was the worst tackle I’ve ever seen.
“Mate, I think I remember at the time, obviously it’s difficult when you’re in the game and just see it, but Sheffield (United) players were saying, ‘it’s not that bad, it’s not that bad.'”
“There was a guy who did an interview after (Anel Ahmedhodzic on Sky) and said, ‘It’s definitely not a red card from what I saw.'” Mate, when you look back at it on the film, whoa, that’s one of the worst tackles ever.”
Based on that tackle and his time at Southampton, Leeds avoided a bullet by not signing Holgate.
Leeds’ extraordinary run of form has been built on conceding only three goals in 13 games since the turn of the year, and such poor discipline would have only harmed the foundations that had been laid.
Instead, Leeds’ only January signing was Connor Roberts, and despite his little playing time, he appears to be exactly the type of player the club requires.
