Controversy as Leeds United’s key promotion rivals get fresh big boost

Leicester City, Leeds United’s Championship promotion opponents, have received a significant boost in their pursuit for an immediate return to the Premier League – but not without controversy.

Enzo Maresca’s league leaders resumed to Championship play on Tuesday night, defeating Swansea City 3-1 to put the Foxes ten points clear of second-placed Ipswich Town and 12 ahead of fourth-placed Leeds. Ipswich and third-place Southampton, who are 11 points behind, have each played one fewer game.

Swansea were furious, however, at the events that led to Leicester’s second goal, which was converted by Stephy Mavididi in the 69th minute from a penalty. The Foxes were awarded a penalty kick when Patson Daka went down after sprinting clear and entering the area under pressure from Nathan Wood, who attempted to stop the Leicester striker with a sliding challenge.

Without VAR, referee Keith Stroud pointed to the spot, but replays revealed that Wood made no contact with Daka or the ball. Mavididi then stepped up to score a penalty kick to extend Leicester’s lead after Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall opened the scoring in the third minute.

Yunus Akgun scored Leicester’s third goal in the 72nd minute, despite poor Swansea defending, and the game was long over until Joe Allen equalized in the 95th minute.

Leeds return to action on Friday night against Bristol City, who were also in action on Tuesday evening. The Robins rallied from behind against Coventry City but were defeated late in a 2-2 draw.

Tatsuhiro Sakamoto’s clever goal in a tight box put the Sky Blues ahead in the 27th minute, but Rob Dickie’s header brought Liam Manning’s side level in the first minute of first-half stoppage time.

The game appeared to be heading for a 1-1 draw until City forward Nahki Wells scored in the 83rd minute with a low finish. But Coventry equalised only three minutes later through Ellis Simms, who followed up a strong low strike from former Leeds youngster Liam Kitching, which keeper Max O’Leary saved but deflected back into Simms’ path.

The point puts Bristol City in 13th place, six points behind the play-offs, with a quick turnaround to face Daniel Farke’s Whites on Friday night.