Leeds United employee issues ‘massive’ Luke Ayling claim amid dressing room reveal
Luke Ayling will be a “huge miss” for Leeds United as he will miss the rest of the Premier League through suspension, according to Noel Whelan.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Whites striker and club ambassador claimed Ayling’s red card in the 2-1 defeat to Arsenal on Sunday (8 May) was a “massive blow for the club”.
The right-back, 30, was sent off for a challenge on Gabriel Martinelli after just 26 minutes at the Emirates with his side already 2-0 down.
He was initially shown a yellow card by referee Chris Kavanagh before he upgraded his decision to a red card after reviewing the incident on the pitchside monitor.
Ayling will now serve a three-game suspension meaning he will miss Leeds’ final games of the season – home games with Chelsea and Brighton & Hove Albion as well as the trip to Brentford on the final day.
The Athletic reported on Monday (9 May) that the Englishman had apologised in the dressing room and that was enough to appease Jesse Marsch.
“I think the frustration was clear to see all over the pitch and it just boiled over with Ayling unfortunately,” Whelan told Football Insider correspondent Ewan Kingsbury.
“It’s a massive blow for the club. To lose him at right-back – he’s the natural, he’s the best option we have at the club.
“Not only that, but we’re also seriously going to miss the energy, leadership, and experience he brings as well.
“He’s going to be a huge miss for these crucial last three games of the season.”
Ayling has started 64 of Leeds’ 73 Premier League games since the beginning of last season.
He started all 38 of their top-flight matches last season as they ended the season in ninth place.
In other news, Leeds United have changed their transfer plan after ‘big news’ out of Elland Road.