Report: Leeds star Patrick Bamford could miss play-off semi-finals

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The Daily Mail have claimed that Patrick Bamford could miss Leeds United’s Championship play-off semi-finals, following his altercation with Aston Villa winger Anwar El Ghazi.

Amid a heated contest, Matuesz Klich’s opener for Leeds sparked a mass brawl between both sides. The goal was scored after Leeds refused to put the ball out of play, following an injury to Jonathan Kodjia.

During the ensuing melee, Bamford fell to the floor holding his face. El Ghazi protested his innocence, but referee Stuart Attwell showed the Netherlands international the red card after consulting his assistant.

Replays showed, though, that El Ghazi had not connected with £10million (Mail) signing Bamford’s face. The former Chelsea striker had fallen to the floor, clutching his face.

The report claims Villa are to appeal the red in order to keep the Lille loanee available for the play-offs themselves. But the Mail report that Bamford is in danger of being given a retrospective three-game ban for simulation.

TBR’s view

Bamford has been hot and cold for Leeds in recent matches. The striker struggled against Villa on Sunday, with his first touch somewhat eluding him on multiple occasions.

Yes, losing Bamford is a blow, as is losing any player at this stage ahead of the play-offs. Leeds already have Barry Douglas and Gjanni Alioski on the sidelines, while it looked as though Stuart Dallas has also picked up an injury.

Thankfully for Leeds, Kemar Roofe is expected to play against Ipswich Town on the weekend. If Bamford does get a three-match ban, he would miss the Ipswich game and two semi-finals.