Leeds United manager Sam Allardyce has criticised Pascal Struijk for giving away a penalty against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon.
Allardyce, who was appointed the Leeds head coach this week, has said on BBC Sport that it was “silly” of Struijk to give away the penalty the way he did.
‘Big Sam’ has made it publicly clear that he is not happy and disappointed with the 23-year-old defender.
Defending Premier League champions City got the better of Leeds 2-1 at home this afternoon.
German midfielder Ilkay Gundogan scored both the goals for City, a and both came in the first half.
Rodrigo scored for Leeds on 85 minutes.
Before Leeds scored, City had the chance to make it 3-0 from the penalty spot.
Gundogan could not score from 12 yards out.
It was defender Struijk who gave the penalty.
The 23-year-old committed a foul on Phil Foden inside the area, and referee Andrew Madley pointed to the spot.
Sam Allardyce on Pascal Struijk for Leeds United vs Manchester City
Alladyce said: “I was slightly fearful, but we sorted it out for the second half and told them they were playing with too much fear.
“They needed to get on the front foot and try to challenge them. Apart from a silly penalty… and a great save by Joel [Robles] that gave us a chance to go up the other end and score.”
The Leeds boss added: “It was disappointing that one of our subs [Pascal Struijk] gave the penalty away.”
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