According to Graham Smyth, Wilfried Gnonto went straight down the tunnel after the stalemate between Leeds United and Sheffield Wednesday, rather than joining his colleagues in clapping supporters.
The dependable journalist was at Elland Road on Saturday [2 September] for the 0-0 stalemate as Leeds were frustrated by their Yorkshire rivals on home soil.
Smyth recounted a moment that many may have missed in his column for the Yorkshire Evening Post’s online edition on Sunday [3 September].
“As the players made their way around the pitch thanking Elland Road for its support, Pascal Struijk, Joe Rodon, and others removed their shirts to give to delighted West Stand and Kop supporters,” Smyth said.
“Gnonto chose not to join his teammates and instead proceeded straight down the tunnel.”
Frustration
Gnonto would have been doubly frustrated at full-time against Wednesday, having failed to make an impact in Leeds’ first game following the transfer window’s closure.
The Italy international wanted to leave Elland Road this summer, but the club refused to transfer him to Premier League side Everton.
Gnonto made no move to court United fans after the game, instead heading to the locker room rather than thanking them for their support.
Gnonto‘s play improved significantly in the second half, with some promising moments, including one in which he felt he should have been awarded a penalty.
If the 19-year-old is to build bridges with Leeds fans, he has a long way to go. Of course, the easiest way to do it is to knuckle down and find his scoring boots.
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