Monday night proved to be a brilliant occasion for Leeds United fans as they watched their side pick up a crucial 1-0 win over Everton, but the home support didn’t like everything they saw.
Lukas Nmecha scored the only goal of the game from the penalty spot, after Leeds were controversially awarded a penalty after Anton Stach’s shot was blocked by the arm of Everton captain James Tarkowski.
Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher think it was a penalty and the correct decision was given. But many believe it was a harsh penalty, even if VAR looked at the on-field awarding of a penalty and stuck with it.
While it was a historic night for Leeds, as Leeds end a 17-year curse of Championship title winners going winless in their first Premier League game, there were a couple of negatives for Daniel Farke’s players.
Leeds United v Everton - Premier League
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Why Leeds fans booed Jack Harrison, not for the reason you think
Ethan Ampadu picked up an injury and was subbed off on 78 minutes, playing on for another 22 minutes after Tim Iroegbunam’s tackle. Farke says Ampadu has a “big bruise” and the skipper will be assessed.
Another issue was the Elland Road faithful booing Jack Harrison. The winger is back at Leeds after two years on loan at Everton, and Harrison came off the bench in the 78th minute for Leeds against Everton.
Of course, after two years at Everton, Harrison will have some pals on Merseyside. But Beren Cross reports why Leeds fans booed Harrison, and not simply because he is a player who jumped ship after relegation.
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The Athletic’s Cross says Leeds fans were not happy when Harrison embraced his old Everton teammates. Cross posted on X that Harrison was catching up with some of his Everton mates during the 1-0 win.
“Harrison one of four to warm up. A lot of applause for him and others, though some audible boos too. What the fans really didn’t like was Harrison embracing each of the Everton subs as they were reunited.”
It is not the first time that Harrison has been booed by fans
Back in the summer of 2023, Harrison was one of eight players to use Victor Orta’s much-criticised loan relegation exit clause. The likes of Rasmus Kristensen, Brenden Aaronson, Max Wober and others did too.
They were seen as jumping ship, not caring about Leeds having played a part in the 2022-23 relegation. Now back at Leeds, Harrison was booed against Man United and there were some boos against Milan.
Farke continues to defend Harrison and even claims that the Leeds squad are happy with Harrison and his work rate in training. But it is clearly going to be a few games before Harrison can rid himself of the boos.