Alex Neil criticises Pontus Jansson’s actions; brother reacts angrily on Twitter

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Leeds United lost 3-1 to Preston North End on Tuesday night.

Preston North End boss Alex Neil has been quoted by Leeds Live as saying that he thinks Pontus Jansson went down without being injured in Tuesday’s 3-1 win over Leeds United.

Leeds actually took the lead at Deepdale, as Kemar Roofe turned home Kalvin Phillips’ cross from close range, but the Whites fell apart in the second half.

Paul Gallagher equalised from the penalty spot after Billy Bodin was fouled by Vurnon Anita, before Irish duo Sean Maguire and Alan Browne struck headers to hand Preston a 3-1 victory.

Preston will have been delighted to have picked up a win after three games without a victory, but the manner of their second goal has been brought into question.

Gallagher’s corner was headed clear by Pontus Jansson, with Ben Pearson and Bodin combining to get the ball back out to Gallagher, who crossed for Maguire to score – with Jansson down injured throughout.

Jansson spent time being tended to in the aftermath of the goal and was then substituted, with manager Paul Heckingbottom frustrated that play was allowed to go on whilst Jansson was injured.

However, Preston boss Neil has been quoted by Leeds Live as saying that he didn’t think Jansson was truly injured unless the ball was ‘really, really heavy’ as no Preston player touched him, suggesting that Jansson went down because Leeds were under pressure and needed a breather.

“I understand that completely, but see, having looked at it back, the ball must be really, really heavy because all he’s done is header the ball,” said Neil. “That tells you everything about that situation. Nobody’s made any contact or connection with him, so I’m sure Paul’s watched it back as well. His defender headers the ball and then has a wee look and thinks ‘oh, we’re under a bit of pressure’ then falls down in the middle of the box,” he added.

Now, Jansson’s brother Peter has taken to Twitter to blast Neil, calling him a ‘clown’ whilst stating that Neil acted without respect or morals, showing unprofessionalism when talking about Jansson’s actions.