Joel Piroe equalised for Leeds United last night just moments after Swansea City’s opener at Elland Road, netting against his old side – and Swansea fans have been left angered by how he celebrated.
Jamie Paterson had given Swansea the lead inside the first minute, chipping Illan Meslier in what was an action-packed start to the match – with Leeds having one disallowed beforehand. Piroe then scored.
His seventh goal of the season for Leeds, running onto to an inch-perfect pass from Cree Summerville to slide a shot past Carl Rushworth with his right foot. Piroe’s seventh goal of the season already.
Piroe celebrated the goal. Of course, Piroe came from Swansea – having spent two seasons in Wales prior to his move, having joined Swansea from PSV in 2021. Leeds won the race to nab his signature.
Swansea fans react as Joel Piroe kisses Leeds United badge
The striker starred for Swansea, scoring 46 goals for the Championship side in less than 100 games and Swansea fans will have been gutted to lose their attacking talisman in the summer. He cost us £16m.
It was a neat finish from Piroe, who has come in for criticism at times this season. At Rotherham, he was a bit of a bystander as Leeds struggled to get going. But he is a goalscorer, and celebrated as such.
Indeed, it felt as though some weight was lift off of Piroe’s shoulders. The kind of player that plays well when he does score. A top player that needs to be backed by Leeds fans, even when he is struggling.
He wheeled away after his goal, arms out wide – before kissing the Leeds badge as fans went wild. That has angered their fans, quite understandably, on social media. Here is what Swansea fans are saying.
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