Referee spoiled my derby day delight complains sent-off Snodgrass

The Scot, only recently back in the side after injury, came off the bench on the hour to help create what turned out to be the winning goal for Bradley Johnson with an intelligent run and cross six minutes from time.

His afternoon then turned sour, however, when in the final minute he was sent off after collecting a second yellow card of the afternoon for checking a run by Leon Britton.

It meant Leeds finished the game with ten men and must now host Preston North End tomorrow night at Elland Road without Snodgrass as he sits out a one-game ban.

The 23-year-old, whose first booking was for not retreating 10 yards at a free-kick, said: "I felt good coming back into the team but it is very disappointing the way it ended for myself. I feel as if the referee has conned me. The first one is never a booking. I had only been on the park for two minutes and he booked me for something stupid like that.

"I put in two challenges after that and I haven't gone in with malice or to hurt anyone, but to try to win the ball.

"For the second booking, he (Britton) has run into me and fallen so I just don't understand it. There were worse tackles all through the game. I think it is why he evened it up in the end too (by sending off Blades substitute Jamie Ward for a foul on Neil Kilkenny in the fourth minute of stoppage time).

"It is a disgrace. It has been very frustrating to be out with injury, but I have tried my hardest to stay focused and mentally strong. Then, the referee goes and spoils it. I just feel as if he (Taylor) has tried to spoil my day."

Snodgrass's dismissal marred an otherwise profitable afternoon for Leeds, who edged a dour derby thanks to Johnson's second goal of the season.

Within the Blades ranks, there was understandable disappointment at the result but also a degree of sympathy for both Snodgrass and Ward.

Manager Gary Speed said: "I thought Snodgrass's sending off was a soft one. The second booking was harsh. And if he hadn't gone, Wardy would not have gone (in stoppage time). The referee couldn't wait to send him off."

Defender Kyle Bartley added: "There were a flew tackles flying about in the game but there was nothing malicious.

"I thought the two red cards were harsh.

"It was just a good competitive game, just what you would expect from a Sheffield United v Leeds derby."