Leeds United and Aston Villa contested a fractious and fragmented affair at Elland Road on Sunday afternoon as the Whites played out a stalemate in front of a testy crowd.
The Whites had waited 29 days for a return to action and were treated to an ugly contest between the two mid-table sides.
United’s first-half display was punctuated by several fouls awarded by referee Stuart Attwell who blew for no fewer than 18 fouls in the opening 45 minutes.
Goalless at the break, the complexion of the game changed considerably after Attwell decided to show Luis Sinisterra a second yellow card shortly after the restart.
Leeds’ attacking threat dissipated and Villa grew in confidence with their man advantage but failed to make it show.
Here are Graham Smyth’s full-time player ratings, including a verdict on referee Stuart Attwell.
7. Marc Roca - 6
Some lovely passing, some stuff that didn't come off. Took a needless yellow. Desperately unhappy to be withdrawn after the red card. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images) Photo: Stu Forster
8. Jack Harrison - 6
Worked hard, covered a lot of ground but wasn't in the game as an offensive threat, especially after the red card. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images) Photo: Clive Brunskill
9. Luis Sinisterra - 6
Showed beautiful footwork and his pace in the first half but wasn't in the game enough. Took two soft bookings for his red. The second in particular was silly. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images) Photo: Clive Brunskill
10. Brenden Aaronson - 7
Lively first half without really troubling Villa, kept at it despite being kicked all over the place. Huge shift of workmanlike effort. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images) Photo: Clive Brunskill
11. Rodrigo - 7
Looked sharp in the first half, involved in Leeds' best stuff. The sending off changed the game, he kept pressing and working though. (Photo by NIGEL RODDIS/AFP via Getty Images) Photo: NIGEL RODDIS
12. Luke Ayling - 6
Beaten down the right side a couple of times as Villa created danger. Looked almost too eager to go and get the ball. (Photo by NIGEL RODDIS/AFP via Getty Images) Photo: NIGEL RODDIS