Conor Hourihane was at the centre of a melee which followed Mateusz Klich’s controversial strike in Leeds United’s Championship clash with Aston Villa.
Danny Murphy has hit out at Conor Hourihane for his reaction to Leeds United’s controversial goal on Sunday, telling Max Rushden on talkSPORT (29 April, 11am) that the Aston Villa midfielder should be facing a ban.
A feisty Championship clash between Leeds and Villa at Elland Road exploded into life in the final 20 minutes when Mateusz Klich fired the hosts ahead, despite the fact that visiting striker Jonathan Kodjia was lying in a stricken heap near the centre circle.
Aston Villa’s players furiously surrounded the Polish playmaker with Hourihane grabbing Klich by the shirt. Some even suggested that the Rebublic of Ireland international aimed a punch at the Leeds goalscorer.
And Murphy believes that the incident should be reviewed with Hourihane perhaps deserving of a retrospective ban.
“Over the top,” said the former Liverpool and Tottenham midfielder when asked to sum up Hourihane’s reaction to Klich’s goal.
“If that’s the case (the punch) he should be banned as well.”
Referee Stuart Attwell did brandish one red card after the unseemly melee but his decision to send off Anwar El Ghazi was rather baffling, given that Leeds striker Patrick Bamford made the most of little contact from the incensed Moroccan international. He is likely to have his ban rescinded.
Aston Villa finished the game with a point after Leeds allowed them to walk in an immediate equaliser, despite Pontus Jansson’s best efforts.
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