Ian Wright talks up ‘wonderful’ Leeds United star Patrick Bamford

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Patrick Bamford has been banned for Leeds United’s next two games. The striker has been charged with the deception of an official for his actions against Aston Villa. He feigned a facial injury after an altercation with Anwar El Ghazi, who was eventually sent off. That has been rescinded and Bamford will miss the final game of the Championship season as well as the play-off semi-final.

Speaking about the decision, Ian Wright has found it hard to back up a player he clearly thinks highly of. He told BBC Radio 5 Live (29/04/2019; 19:59):

“It’s someone that I love, Patrick…When I watch him, he is someone I will defend to the end but I can’t in this situation.

“It’s very,very out of character for him, but I suppose it comes down to the pressure, the situation that he and his club find themselves in, and he for me has made a mistake.

“I’m going to stick by him he is a wonderful guy.”

TBR’s View

Some have asked why Wright is so defensive of Bamford. The former England and Arsenal striker worked as striker’s coach at MK Dons when Bamford had a spell in Milton Keynes on loan from Chelsea.

He clearly knows Bamford well and hearing him suggest this is ‘out of character’ will be comforting to Leeds fans who will, reluctantly, admit Bamford deserves his punishment.

It has been a tough season for Bamford, with injuries impacting his start to life at Elland Road.

But he has shown glimpses of his incredible ability in front of goal and if he can fire Leeds to promotion in the play-offs fans will quickly forget the bad times from the season. Wright clearly thinks he is worthy of success, Leeds will hope it transpires.