- Crysencio Summerville and Bobby Thomas netted as Leeds drew with Coventry
- Pair involved in heated scenes at full-time with players from both sides involved
- ‘There’s no bigger waste of time!’ What is the point of the Club World Cup? It’s All Kicking Off
A melee broke out between players after Leeds and Coventry ended in a 1-1 draw with several players restrained following the full-time whistle.
Daniel Farke‘s side welcomed last season’s play-off finalists to Elland Road on Saturday as they looked to return to winning ways after suffering defeat at Sunderland in midweek.
After a relatively subdued opening 45 minutes, the hosts took the initiative after the interval with Crysencio Summerville curling his effort beyond Sky Blues goalkeeper Ben Collins to give the hosts the lead.
Unable to capitalise on their momentum Leeds were pegged back shortly after the opener as Bobby Thomas headed home from Tatsuhiro Sakamoto’s cross to equalise on 66 minutes.
Leeds continued their search for a winner into the closing stages but it continued to elude them and the points ultimately were shared between the two sides but the action on the pitch was not yet over.
Heated scenes erupted at full-time in the game between Leeds and Coventry after it appeared Crysencio Summerville refused to shake Bobby Thomas’ hand
The game’s two goalscorers exchanged words while players from both sides intervened
Wilfried Gnoto physically restrained Summerville during the chaos in an attempt to defuse the situation
But the Dutchman was still irate and came face to face with Sky Blues defender Kasey Palmer before order was restored
As the managers exchanged pleasantries on the touchline, Thomas appeared to try and shake hands with his fellow goalscorer as they walked off the pitch but Summerville refused, leading to a heated exchange between the pair.
Players from both teams quickly stepped in to defuse the situation, with Wilfried Gnoto physically restraining the irate Dutchman as he attempted to square up to Thomas.
Asked about the incident following the game Coventry boss Mark Robins claimed that the frustration had been borne out of Leeds’ inability to secure three points on the pitch.
‘It’s handbags. It’s desire to win a game. It hasn’t gone right for one team and we’re happier with the draw than them.’ Robins said.
‘They will be frustrated they haven’t steamrollered us – that’s the expectation of teams that are expected to get promoted.
‘That’s the challenge for them. Teams are going to come here and not roll over and die. That’s why promotion at any level is really hard-won.
‘They’re a really good side, but we have kept them as quiet as I’ve seen them. I’m really proud, the players have been outstanding this week and that is an outstanding result after the one at.’
