Ireland U21 international Joel Bagan started at left back today as Cardiff drew 2-2 with Leeds United in their third round FA Cup clash.
Despite the impressive result on paper against Premier League opposition, Cardiff will disappointed after being 2-0 up and going onto concede a stoppage time equaliser.
Leeds may have drawn level sooner had Bagan not intervened by channeling his inner Luis Suarez, and used his hands to prevent a shot from going in.
And just like Suarez's infamous intervention against Ghana at the 2010 World Cup, the subsequent penalty awarded was also saved.
However, Bagan's intervention was certainly riskier than Suarez', as there was still plenty of time to play. Had Leeds scored the penalty and grabbed a winner, Bagan no doubt have shouldered much of the blame.
Joel Bagan Goes For Broke In The FA Cup
In the words of a former Cardiff manager: You've got to f******g die for three points! 😉
Ireland U21 left-back Joel Bagan channeling his inner Luis Suarez to protect Cardiff's 2-1 advantage over Leeds made for great entertainment! #COYBIGpic.twitter.com/6FpXAVIKgO— Kenny's Kids (@KennysKids) January 8, 2023
READ HERE: FA Cup : Alisson Mistakes Have Liverpool Fans Sharing The Same Opinion About Kelleher
After the game, Cardiff manager Mark Hudson gave his thoughts, and spoke of how his side should 'kick on' after their promising performance.
"We focus on Wigan [Cardiff's next Championship opponents] now and, the way we played today, we know we can pose a threat to them.
"They've all put themselves in the right frame of mind to kick on.
"All of them, every single one of them should be proud of their performance after being called upon.
"Tactically, we got it right. We showed a good shape. We countered when we could, we frustrated them and scored two really good goals.
"We knew we would suffer in the second half. They have got an abundance of talent to come off the bench. It's not bad when you can bring Rodrigo off the bench! Overall, I'm proud."
SEE ALSO: Honorary Irishman And World Cup Winner Mac Allister Scores FA Cup Stunner
