Leeds United star Kalvin Phillips was praised by both sets of supporters despite not kicking a ball on Monday.
A number of Brentford and Leeds fans have taken to Twitter to praise Kalvin Phillips after photos emerged showing the Whites midfielder chatting with a number of young Bees fans as he warmed up during Monday’s clash, while others suggested on social media that he gave one of those supporters his shirt after the game.
Phillips did not kick a ball at Griffin Park, but he was still at the centre of one of the game’s main talking points. Marcelo Bielsa surprisingly decided to leave the youngster out of the starting lineup, with Adam Forshaw taking his place in the team.
Phillips has been outstanding throughout the campaign, and it is not difficult to see why some of the Leeds fans felt that the decision was costly as the Whites were beaten 2-0. Forshaw was arguably one of the better players on the visiting side, but he still did not vindicate Bielsa’s surprise decision.
So Phillips’ stock certainly appears to have risen without him playing. And his popularity amongst both Leeds and Brentford fans has also improved after a touching gesture that was noted by some of those in attendance.
Phillips was pictured speaking to a number of young Brentford fans as he warmed up at the side of the pitch. The 23-year-old was recently named the club’s PFA Community Champion for 2018, and this latest act further highlights why he is as highly thought of away from the pitch as he is when on it.
And it has been suggested by a couple of those accounts that Phillips went on to give one home supporter his shirt after the game. So it may be fair to say that one Leeds player can definitely hold their head up high following a really disappointing day for the promotion-chasers.
Here are some of the photos, as well as some of the reaction from Leeds and Brentford fans…
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