Hasselbaink delivers verdict on altercation between Monk and Wagner during Leeds defeat

Sun 5 February 2017 15:34, UK

By Alex Stevens

Jimmy-Floyd Hasselbaink has refused to slam “angry” Garry Monk for his managerial altercation with David Wagner during Leeds’ 2-1 loss to Huddersfield.

The rival managers squared up on the touchline at the John Smith’s Stadium on Sunday after Michael Hefele bagged an 89th minute winner for Huddersfield to spark wild celebrations among supporters, players and coaching staff.

Terriers manager Wagner raced the length of the pitch to celebrate with his players and crossed paths with his opposite number Monk on his way back to the dugout.

The Leeds manager reacted to Wagner entering his technical area by standing his ground and appearing to block the German and, as the two rivals squared up, a brawl ensued involving both benches and groups of players, and the managers were subsequently sent to the stands.

Monk, who was dismissed for the second time this season following an earlier sending-off against Bristol City, blamed his German rival for starting the stand-off and for lacking respect with his celebrations.

“Monk is angry that Wagner has crossed his area,” said former Leeds striker Hasselbaink, as quoted by Sky Sports 2’s live coverage of the match. “But, then, on the other side, last-minute goal, celebration and you know 90 per cent that it is going to be the winner, the emotion of the game.

“You want to celebrate, you want to see the emotion. I don’t know if something has been said beforehand, I don’t know what I would have done in Monk’s situation, so I can’t say if it is wrong or right.”