Don Goodman has hit back at those who have criticised Leeds United full-back Junior Firpo for his actions in the aftermath of the 2-2 draw with Sunderland.
Firpo was seen quickly heading down the tunnel as the full-time whistle sounded at the Stadium of Light on 4 October, rather than consoling goalkeeper Illan Meslier along with many of his team-mates.
Meslier conceded a horror goal in the dying embers of the contest, with that officially being awarded as a Firpo own goal.
Chris Sutton accused the former Barcelona player of being a bad teammate, but Goodman – who was inside the stadium – has a different opinion of it.
“People need to stop it,” he told MOT Leeds News. “You cannot read too much into these things. It’s the ugly side of the world we live in. This is people trying to make a mountain out of a molehill.
“He was close to the tunnel and would have been exasperated. I’ve got absolutely no doubt in my mind that when Meslier got back to the dressing room, Firpo would have given him a hug.
“Yes there was a public display of support from Daniel Farke and some players, rightly so, but it’s not like Firpo ran past Meslier to get to the tunnel. He just saw his side give away an equaliser in a game they should have won, he was rightly fuming and just wanted to get down the tunnel.
“I’d hazard a guess that some of the players close to Meslier who gave him a hug, had they been nearer the tunnel they’d have taken a different option.”
Junior Firpo has nothing to apologise for at Leeds United
Firpo was indeed extremely frustrated at the manner in which Leeds chucked away two points against Sunderland.
It was a game the Whites deserved to win, and looked certain to win with time all but up, meaning the own goal was like a dagger through the heart when it arrived.
All-action full-back Firpo has certainly not let the criticism of the past two weeks get to him, having netted twice for the Dominican Republic on international duty.
Firpo, assuming he returns injury free and not too jet-lagged, will slot straight back into the starting line-up to face Sheffield United.
Not that he has anyone to apologise to, but he can do his talking on the pitch at Elland Road on Friday (18 October) when club action returns.
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