Jaydee Canvot needs a reminder about the principles of good sportsmanship following his conduct during the goalless draw between Crystal Palace and Leeds United.
That is the verdict of former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that the defender should feel ashamed for celebrating Gabriel Gudmundsson’s dismissal.
Daniel Farke’s side were controversially reduced to ten men shortly before the interval when Gudmundsson’s challenge on Ismaila Sarr resulted in a second yellow card. Referee Thomas Bramall had apparently forgotten his earlier caution of the Swedish full-back, requiring reminders from Palace players before producing the red card. Many observers were left perplexed by the entire sequence at Selhurst Park.
Crystal Palace ought to address Canvot’s behaviour
Television footage captured Canvot actively celebrating the decision behind the referee’s back, images that subsequently spread across social media platforms for all the wrong reasons.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Hackett did not hold back: “I just think it’s unacceptable. Competition in Premier League games? Don’t worry about that. Things are part and parcel of the game. But celebrating a fellow professional getting a red card in this way, someone needs to whisper in his ear, ‘It just doesn’t look good’. It was unacceptable.”
The online reaction has mirrored this disapproval, with supporters present at Selhurst Park also criticising the player’s actions, particularly given the questionable nature of the sending off itself.
Leeds United supporters rally behind Gabriel Gudmundsson
Rather than directing frustration at Gudmundsson for costing them two points, the travelling Leeds faithful demonstrated their solidarity with the player. Following the final whistle, the defender approached the away section to shake hands with fans and apologise for his dismissal, which had placed his teammates in a difficult position.
The supporters would hear none of it, insisting the player had nothing to apologise for and instead directing their anger towards the referee for his overall handling of the match.
With Leeds hovering just three points above the relegation zone, every point carries enormous weight at this stage of the campaign. The club are clearly opting for unity rather than assigning blame to individuals.