The Football Association (FA) has launched
an investigation after Manchester United forward Anthony Elanga was hit by an
object thrown from the stands during their Premier League win at Leeds United
on Sunday.
The 19-year-old Swede was hit by an object while
United were celebrating Fred’s goal in the 70th minute that restored
their lead in the 4-2 win at Elland Road. There were also a number of unsavoury
chants from supporters of both clubs.
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A total of nine people have been arrested
for a number of offences, including throwing of missiles, West Yorkshire Police
said, The BBC reported.
Police said there was “no significant disorder” and no one was injured during the match and said offences include public order, throwing of missiles and breach of banning order”.
Meanwhile, Leeds said they are going through video footages of the crowd and will impose lifetime bans on any supporter found to have thrown any object towards the pitch.
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Before the match, a group of 70 supporters turned up at Elland Road without tickets and were issued dispersal notices.
It was equally as fiery on the pitch as well, given that this was the first time the War of the Roses match — between Yorkshire and Lancashire teams — had been played in the Premier League in front of fans at Elland Road since November 2003 due to Leeds’ 16-year topflight exile and coronavirus restrictions..
United conceded twice in 24 seconds as the hosts equalised in dramatic fashion before goals from substitutes Fred and Elanga secured the win. First-half headers from Harry Maguire and Bruno Fernandes were wiped out by Rodrigo and Raphinha goals.
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But the Red Devils came back to edge the six-goal thriller to help its mission to stay fourth. Leeds is five points above the relegation zone.
The visitors should have taken the lead midway through the first half, but Cristiano Ronaldo was denied by goalkeeper Illan Meslier. Ronaldo appeared for United at Elland Road in October 2003 — 18 years and 125 days ago — and that is the longest gap for a player between games against an opponent in Premier League history.