Leeds star left in tears after 'horrendous' error that was 'worst in 30 years'
Leeds United's French goalkeeper was left disconsolate after his 96th minute error which gifted Sunderland a share of the spoils in the Championship clash at the Stadium of Light
by Simon Bird · The MirrorIllan Meslier was in tears after dropping a once in a generation clanger in injury time to gift Sunderland a draw.
Leeds boss Daniel Farke admitted his keeper was the “saddest man” in football after a gaffe the likes of which he’s never witnessed in “30 years in professional football.”
The Leeds keeper let a simple save from Alan Browne slip through his grasp deep in injury time. The astonishing error ruined a near perfect performance from Farke’s men, leaving Sunderland alone at the top of the Championship.
Willy Gnonto inspired Leeds to within seconds of their best result of the season, until Meslier’s brainstorm. He was unable to make a routine catch from Browne’s flick into the box. Gnonto conjured two assists as goals from Joel Piroe and Junior Firpo. The Yorkshire side weather an early storm coming from behind after teenager Chris Rigg opened the scoring.
But the game will be remembered for Meslier’s cock up in the 97th minute.
Farke said: “There was no explanation. I have 30 years in professional football and lost many points in the last second but in 30 years I have not experienced this. The game was over. But it is heartbreaking, horrendous and so so sad. It is tough to take and feels like a loss. It hurt but also I am proud of how the lads delivered.
“We just need an arm around Illan’s shoulder. You don’t have to speak, no one wants to hear any words. The ball bounced and jumped in the other direction. I can’t say if that was the case, because I have not seen the footage.
“He is the saddest player in the dressing room and more or less in tears. He can speak about it in a few days.”
Maslier played for Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris at Llorient in the academy and reserves, and pre-game the French boss joked he hoped Meslier would make a mistake.
Le Bris’s wish came true but he said: “I am disappointed for him because I like this boy. Anyone can make a mistake, keeper or striker. It is difficult. We spoke about the action and he said the ball changed direction when the ball hit the ground, and it was surprising. I am happy for us but not happy for him.
“In the end we deserved the draw even if the goal was lucky.
“The fans can feel even if it is not perfect, we try until the end and have the energy of the fans and we deserved that goal.”
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