Dean Smith revealed he has “full respect” for Marcelo Bielsa following Aston Villa’s 1-1 draw with Leeds United on Sunday afternoon, BBC Sport report.
Bielsa’s side took the lead in controversial fashion when Mateusz Klich fired in despite Leeds appearing to be ready to kick the ball out of play due to an injury to Villa’s Jonathan Kodjia.
Tempers flared in the aftermath and Anwar El Ghazi was sent off for an alleged elbow on Patrick Bamford, a decision which will surely be overturned given the replays showing that the Leeds striker fell to the floor despite no contact from the Villa man.
However Bielsa then made the decision to allow Villa to score an uncontested goal to equalise, and Smith has praised the Leeds boss’ sportsmanship.
In the end, the right decision has prevailed. First and foremost, the referee makes a poor decision because Jonathan [Kodjia] gets fouled in the centre circle. If he gives that as a foul, then nothing happens and we just get on with the game. But unfortunately, he doesn’t and then Tyler Roberts should put the ball out because their players have actually stopped and our players have stopped too.
He faints to put it out before deciding to put the ball down the line. Klich goes on and scores and all emotional control has gone from everyone. Nobody wants to see that. Full respect to Marcelo for doing that [allowing Villa’s equaliser]. I think sportsmanship has prevailed in the end.
