Leeds United legend Tony Dorigo has called out a Manchester City player for their reaction to the controversial Gianluigi Donnarumma injury.
Having slipped to a 2-0 deficit in the first half, Daniel Farke inspired a stirring fightback from his Leeds side before they fell to a heartbreaking 3-2 defeat against Manchester City.
Leeds were enjoying the run of the game in the second half, after Dominic Calvert-Lewin had given Farke’s side a lifeline with his second Premier League goal of the season.
With Leeds firmly in the ascendancy, Man City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down injured in the second half, allowing Pep Guardiola to gather his players for an impromptu team talk. This prompted an angry reaction from Farke after the game.
Now, Leeds icon Tony Dorigo has called out City defender Josko Gvardiol after he made a telling gesture following Donnarumma’s lengthy injury treatment.
A performance to be proud of after that first-half showing! Relive what turned out to be a frustrating afternoon here 😤
Tony Dorigo calls out Josko Gvardiol after Leeds United controversy
Speaking on the LUTV coverage of the game, former Leeds defender Dorigo spotted Gvardiol reacting to Donnarumma’s injury.
According to the former Leeds full-back, Gvardiol gave his goalkeeper a big thumbs up when play resumed, seemingly signalling his approval for the keeper’s actions.
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“Donnarumma, I think he’s going to be okay,” Dorigo said, “Gvardiol has just looked at his keeper, giving him a big thumbs up as well. So, listen, it’s pushing the envelope using the rules to the full extent of their capabilities, and that’s just very, very frustrating.”
LUTV Commentator Bryn Law added: “That’s so cynical. I mean, even as Donnarumma sat down the edge of the penalty area, if you look at the pictures, Dias actually called all his teammates to run towards the touchline so they could have their talk from Guardiola.
“Now Donnarumma’s back on his feet, and now all the players break from their huddle on the near side touchline, having received the message.”
Gianluigi Donnarumma during Manchester City v Leeds United - Premier League
Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images
What are the Premier League rules on the treatment of goalkeepers?
While Guardiola’s actions certainly pushed the boundaries of the rules on injury breaks, according to the Premier League rules, Man City technically did nothing wrong.
Under the normal procedure for outfield players, any player requiring medical treatment on the pitch will be removed to the touchline until their treatment is complete, and the fourth official confirms they are allowed to return.
Phil Foden gives Daniel Farke credit for his half-time switch🗣️
“It’s up there as one of the wildest games. We had full control in the first half. They changed their system in the second half and we couldn’t get going.”
Phil Foden after Leeds’ 3-2 loss to Man City
However, goalkeepers are exempt from those rules and allowed to receive treatment on the field without being withdrawn.
While Donnarumma’s actions were almost certainly against the spirit of the rules, Leeds may need to follow suit in future and learn from their opponents’ use of the dark arts to help close out a tight game.
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