Luke Ayling will miss the rest of Leeds United’s Premier League campaign following a horror challenge against Arsenal.
The Whites defender cut a frustrated figure after a disastrous start to the contest that saw Jesse Marsch’s side go 2-0 down inside of 10 minutes at the Emirates Stadium.
Ayling was sent off for a seriously reckless challenge on MartinelliGetty Images 
Ayling lunged in with a reckless challenge inside the first half hour
With Arsenal pushing forward to add insult to injury, Gabriel Martinelli was running towards the corner flag when the Leeds skipper lunged in with an aggressive two-footed challenge.
Referee Chris Kavanagh initially took the decision to give Ayling a booking for the challenge, but with the Arsenal players clearly furious at the foul, the decision was referred to VAR.
While some decisions this year have been difficult to conclude, a brief look at the VAR monitor saw Kavanagh upgrade Ayling’s booking to a straight red card.
The defender’s Leeds teammates, Raphinha in particular, were furious at the sending off with the Brazilian winger sent off for his protests.
However after viewing the replay it’s clear that it was a reckless challenge from the experienced full-back.
While Leeds did manage to spare their blushes by stopping to rot in a 2-1 defeat to the Gunners, such a sending off is a bitter blow.
Most read in Football
gameday
Arsenal v Leeds LIVE reaction: Nketiah plunges former side into relegation zone
AWFUL
Man United proved Pogba and Maguire not to blame, Ten Hag likely to regret decision
NOT HAPPY
‘Why don’t they f****** retire?’ Fury takes aim as Man United humiliated again
latest
Liverpool v Tottenham reaction: Man City and Arsenal boost as key clash ends level
GAMEDAY
Brighton v Man United LIVE: Reaction as Devils lose fifth away match after 4-0 loss
trouble
‘It’s a bit nasty’ – Firework and bottles thrown as Exeter and Port Vale fans clash 
Ayling came towards the Brazilian at pace 
He then made strong contact with Martinelli 
As a result, Martinelli was sent flying and Ayling knew he’d done wrong
As well as subjecting his teammates to more than an hour of football against Mikel Arteta’s side with a numerical disadvantage, it means that they’ll now face an uphill task in their battle against relegation.
Ayling is expected to be handed a three-match suspension for the challenge, meaning that his Premier League season is effectively over.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Jamie Carragher delivered his verdict, saying: “What an idiot. The lack of professionalism from his teammates and what this could mean going forward.
“It’s not just going down to 10 men, it’s a disgusting tackle going in with two feet and reminds me of a tackle that Vinnie Jones did a long time ago.
Ayling was called ‘an idiot’ by Carragher after his sending offGetty Images
“What he thinks is going to happen on the back of that, I don’t know. It was an obvious red card.
“To put your team down to 10 men, miss the last three games of the season, that might be the last game that Luke Ayling ever plays in the Premier League.”
As a result, Marsch will need to find a different solution to his team’s defensive woes as the Yorkshire do everything that they can to get the points to keep them in the top flight for another season.
Betting Offer Of The Day
Bet365: Bet £10 Get £50 in Free Bets* – CLAIM HERE
Open account offer. Bet £10 & Get £50 in Free Bets for new customers at bet365. Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of qualifying bets. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and T&Cs apply 18+ Begambleaware.org
