Published: July 17, 2022 3:02 pm
Last Updated: July 17, 2022 7:31 pm
The Leeds United faithful have taken to social media in their droves on Sunday, to take aim at a key member of Steven Gerrard’s Aston Villa squad.
The player in question? John McGinn.
For those not aware, Leeds and Villa went head to head in the early hours of Sunday morning, in a pre-season friendly test in Brisbane, Australia.
The latter ultimately emerged victorious from proceedings, owing to a 2nd-half spot-kick on the part of hitman Danny Ings.
“The work-ethic was there, from start to finish.” 💪 @IngsDanny#QLDChampionsCup pic.twitter.com/JcN7AwFsmE
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) July 17, 2022
As alluded to above, though, it was not the game’s eventual winner which in fact prove the headline talking point post-match. Instead, this honour (or rather dishonour) was bestowed upon John McGinn.
The clash, all told, was played out in a heated manner, looking far from its intended ‘friendly’ status throughout the 90 minutes.
And one such challenge, late in the action in Brisbane, culminated in Leeds talent Archie Gray coming out much the worse. After entering a 50-50 with the aforementioned McGinn, the 16-year-old was left grounded with what appeared to be an ankle injury, before ultimately being stretchered off.
In turn, it should not come as a huge surprise to hear of the Whites faithful being up in arms in the game’s aftermath, with just some of the frustration aimed in the direction of Villa’s midfield star showcased below:
That tackle by McGinn on 16 year old Archie Gray in a pre-season friendly was an unmitigated disgrace. Petulent, pre-meditated, and poor from a senior professional. If he had any shame at all, he’d be hanging his head in it. #LUFC
— Leeds Faithful (@MaynardM) July 17, 2022
How people can defend McGinn for that tackle is incredible. McGinn should be ashamed of himself after that tackle.I hope Archie Gray is ok. #lufc #ALAW #LeedsUnited
— Kal (@Jaqenhgar_84) July 17, 2022
To do that, on a 16-year-old kid, in a pre-season ‘friendly’ is absolutely, utterly disgusting.
No doubt John McGinn will deny it but that was intentional and there needs to be consequences for him.
Really hope that’s not a serious one for Archie Gray but it doesn’t look good— James Marshment (@marshyleeds) July 17, 2022
Imagine knowing you could get away with doing that because the ref has been nowhere all game. Now imagine doing it to an actual child. Horrible from Mcginn.
— Joe Layton (@jay_layts) July 17, 2022
Looking forward to welcoming mcginn to elland road!! friendly or not fucking disgrace should of been a red!!
— lotte_lufc 💋 (@lottielufc8) July 17, 2022
Forget it’s Leeds United, forget it’s the Team I support.
This image should never, ever be happening in a pre-season friendly, McGinn should be absolutely ashamed of himself today, 16 year old kid and knew EXACTLY what he was doing.
Let’s pray it’s nothing serious.#lufc pic.twitter.com/EDo65gHOoC
— RyanC (@AnotherLeedsFan) July 17, 2022
Imagine putting a 16-year-old on a stretcher with a shite tackle in pre-season. McGinn, you absolute moron
— Josh Hobbs (@JoshAHobbs) July 17, 2022
Disgusting from McGinn. Looking for retribution on a 16 year old kid in a pre-season friendly. Pathetic
— Stephen Clark (@clarkyboy72) July 17, 2022
I suggest John McGinn reflects on that tackle he made on Archie Gray. One that he just shrugged off at the time. Potentially seriously injuring someone in a friendly. You can’t even say it was accidental. #lufc
— I’d Radebe Leeds (@Radebe_Leeds) July 17, 2022
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This article was edited by
Josh Barker.