LUFC Bates critical of Connolly following red card

Leeds United chairman Ken Bates has criticised defender Paul Connolly after being sent off in the dying moments of the game against Watford on Saturday.

Connolly received his second yellow card of the afternoon for an unnecessary challenge near the half way line with the game already lost and Bates feels the player was looking for the Easter period off and owes his teammates an apology.

He now joins Darren O`Dea and Adam Clayton out through suspension when they head to promotion chasing Reading on Friday and with injuries and a virus adding to Leeds manager Neil Warnock`s depleted squad, Bates was less than impressed with the experienced defender.

Speaking on Yorkshire Radio, Bates said, "We are very disappointed and surprised that Connolly picked up an unnecessary second booking against Watford.

"I don`t know whether he was thinking he could have the Easter weekend off but I can assure you he will be working even if it is not on the pitch.

"At a time when we are down to the bare bones it was totally unnecessary. I think he should apologise to the rest of the team. He has let himself down as well as the rest of the team down."

Warnock himself accused Connolly of not wanting to play against Reading following the defeat at the weekend and after fighting his way back into the side his time at Elland Road could be hanging in the balance.

Connolly had not played for Leeds since New Year`s Eve following the defeat at Barnsley after being alienated out of the side by former manager Simon Grayson. AT that time, Grayson spoke after the 4-1 defeat to Barnsley and said certain players would never play for Leeds again whilst he was in charge.

The defender was the only player who did not feature again for Grayson before his departure from Elland Road at the end of January.

Connolly still has just over twelve months remaining of the three-year contract he signed with Leeds in the summer of 2010.





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