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Leeds United boss hoping Beckford yellow is enough for officials
LEEDS United top scorer Jermaine Beckford is unlikely to face additional punishment over his controversial elbowing of Millwall goalkeeper David Forde.
The United striker marred an otherwise excellent night's work in the 2-0 victory over the Lions at Elland Road by lashing out when jostling ahead of a corner during the second half.
Millwall were furious that referee Alan Wiley only handed Beckford, who went on to net his second goal of the night in stoppage time at the end of an entertaining game, a yellow card.
The Football Association are likely to receive Wiley's report today but a spokesman confirmed that because the referee had taken action on the night, directives from FIFA, the world's governing body, state that the yellow card will stand.
Manager Simon Grayson said after the game: "Jermaine is capable of moments of true quality and that is why he has so many goals this season. If someone can do that, he will always be a big asset for the club.
"There was a melee and people said Jermaine had elbowed him. But the referee saw it and booked him. Whether that can be changed, I am not quite sure. The referee saw it and had a decision to make. And he gave him a yellow.
"Decisions like that can sometimes change games and he went on to get the second goal. I will be disappointed if he did something like that but sometimes you get the breaks.
"Hopefully, nothing else will come off the back of it but if there is then it will be a big disappointment to lose a player for a couple of games."
Beckford's clash with Forde was one of several flare-ups in a game that also saw Andy Robinson flattened by one of Ali Fuseini's elbows during first half stoppage time.
Grayson added: "There were one or two tackles flying in there. You expect that in games, but maybe Leeds v Millwall has extra needle about it.
"The big thing for me was that the players got bullied at The Den earlier in the season but they competed well and matched Millwall this time. They stood up to be counted and got a really good result.
"It was a big game and a big test. Millwall showed their quality but we matched them and competed throughout."
The victory over Millwall capped a fruitful Monday for Grayson after the Leeds manager had earlier secured the services of Lee Trundle for another month.
The Bristol City striker's loan spell at Elland Road was due to finish after the Lions game but he will now be here until at least March 10 – unless the Robins activate a 24-hour recall clause.
United had tried to extend the loan until the end of the season before last week's transfer window closed but City manager Gary Johnson was unwilling to sanction such a deal.
Grayson, who is also hoping to sign Liam Dickinson on loan once the Derby County striker has recovered from a slight strain, said: "It was a big boost for us. Lee has got fitter and sharper as the games have gone on."
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Thursday 09 February 2012
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