Gaetano Berardi began the campaign as one of Marcel Bielsa’s first-choice defenders, but some United supporters hope the 30-year-old is not around to see the start of the new campaign come August.
What has proven to be the final straw for so many of the Whites fanbase has been the centre-back’s disciplinary record, or rather lack of, which saw referee Anthony Taylor issue Berardi his marching orders in our Play-Offs defeat at home to Derby County earlier in the month.
As it happens, that red card was Berardi’s seventh since joining the club from Sampdoria five years ago, worryingly making him the joint-most sent off player in Leeds United history – level with only Alan Smith.
Altogether, the 1-cap former Switzerland defender has seen a straight red card on four occasions, and issued two yellow cards in a game thrice.
From Berardi’s other six sending offs, prior to our defeat to Derby, all but one also came after the 70-minute mark, with two coming in the 89th or 90th minute. His only red card earlier than the 70th minute came against Cardiff City, when he was forced to leave the pitch deep into first-half stoppage play.
We went on to lose to the Bluebirds 4-1 that day, and lost to Rotherham in 2015, while we were able to draw with Sunderland, and beat Bristol City, Accrington Stanley and Huddersfield despite Berardi’s red card.
With his contract entering its final twelve months in July, however, these fans hope the club opt to cash in rather than renew…
Liability. Hope he’s off in summer
— Decky Quinn (@DeckyQuinn) May 21, 2019
Do we really have to go through yet another important game where he sees red & costs us before ppl finally agree he’s a liability. Love the guy, culture hero but unacceptable record here.
— paul warrick (LUFC) (@paulwarrick3) May 21, 2019
Get rid. He’s proven time and time again he’s a liability. What he did last week is inexcusable.
— Danny (@dsw1986) May 21, 2019
Unprofessional. To make a mistake in football is common and can happen to any player, but in the circumstances the red against Derby is unforgivable
— Peter Bellerby (@radio_bellers) May 21, 2019
Not good enough. Inexcusable getting setting off like that against Derby. Its alright though because “he’s Leeds”
— Matty Limb (@matty_limb) May 21, 2019
Needs selling
— Rich (@A1eedsfan) May 21, 2019
should have played his last game for us. not good or composed under pressure enough.
— Paul Scholes (@scholesy_uk) May 21, 2019
Such a liability Not good enough Hoping he goes this summer
— Ben ???? (@ben_sarasota) May 21, 2019
Time for him to go
— Gazza1000 (@MelbGazza) May 21, 2019
Get rid – that chip in his brain ain’t for changing
— Lenboy (@Lenboy) May 21, 2019