Leeds United’s Gaetano Berardi was again sent off on Saturday afternoon.
Leeds United picked up a 1-1 draw at home to Sunderland on Saturday afternoon, coming from a goal down to rescue a point at Elland Road.
Paddy McNair had put Sunderland 1-0 up over Paul Heckingbottom’s side, but Pablo Hernandez equalised to hand Leeds a share of the spoils.
There was late drama though, as Leeds defender Gaetano Berardi was sent off in the dying stages for a rash lunge on Sunderland winger Callum McManaman.
That was Berardi’s third red card of the season, meaning he has been sent off more than any other Championship player this term – and it’s becoming clear that he cannot be relied upon anymore.
The Swiss defender, 29, has been a mainstay of the Leeds side since his 2014 move from Sampdoria, but he has now been sent off six times for Leeds in just 114 games, and it may be time for Leeds to move on from the full back.
Berardi has been a versatile option at the back given that he has played at left back and right back, but if Heckingbottom can’t count upon him due to suspensions, then another options is needed to solidify the Leeds defence.
Heckingbottom would surely look for a player he trusts and can depend on, with Barnsley’s Andy Yiadom – a player signed by the Leeds boss in 2016 – almost certainly the perfect option given his similar versatility and his free agent status.
Berardi may not be sold, but as a first-team regular, Leeds simply can’t afford to pin any hopes on Berardi anymore – and a new full back must be signed this summer in light of his latest red card.
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