Leeds United's Eunan O'Kane set for three-match ban as Whites opt not to appeal red card

EUNAN O'KANE will serve a three-match ban after Leeds United decided against an appeal over his red card at Ipswich Town.
By The Newsroom
Published 15th Jan 2018, 15:23 BST
Updated 15th Jan 2018, 15:25 BST
FLASHPOINT: Eunan O'Kane clashes with Jonus Knudsen. Picture: Simon HulmeFLASHPOINT: Eunan O'Kane clashes with Jonus Knudsen. Picture: Simon Hulme
FLASHPOINT: Eunan O'Kane clashes with Jonus Knudsen. Picture: Simon Hulme

Head coach Thomas Christiansen had urged Leeds to challenge O’Kane’s dismissal in Saturday’s 1-0 defeat but the club allowed today’s noon deadline for an appeal to the Football Association to pass after fresh footage over the weekend showed O’Kane striking Ipswich defender Jonas Knudsen with his head.

Christiansen mounted a spirited defence of O’Kane at full-time after the midfielder was accused of headbutting Knudsen as the pair came together following a 37th-minute challenge by O’Kane on Callum Connolly.

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Referee Robert Jones, however, was a few yards from the incident and despite initial replays appearing inconclusive, footage posted online on Sunday revealed O’Kane leading with his head as Knudsen moved to confront him.

Eunan O'Kane clashes with Jonus Knudsen. Picture: Simon HulmeEunan O'Kane clashes with Jonus Knudsen. Picture: Simon Hulme
Eunan O'Kane clashes with Jonus Knudsen. Picture: Simon Hulme

O’Kane, whose red card was the first of his career, will now miss Saturday’s clash with Millwall at Elland Road and subsequent matches against Hull City and Cardiff City.

His dismissal at Ipswich followed on from Samuel Saiz landing a six-match ban for spitting during Leeds’ FA Cup defeat to Newport County a week earlier.

Related topics:Leeds UnitedIpswich TownFootball AssociationCallum Connolly