After last night's 0-0 draw in the Steel City derby between Sheffield United and Wednesday, Leeds United knew that a win against Ipswich Town today would send them into the playoff positions.
With their strong start to the season descending into a series of more frustrating results, last weekend's disappointing loss to Newport County in the FA Cup hasn't hampered the belief amongst Leeds fans that a long-awaited return to the Premier League is on the cards.
Eunan O'Kane has been near ever-present in the Leeds midfield this season. With 7 international caps for Ireland to his name, the Northern Irish born O'Kane was perhaps a bit over-excited going into today's game.
With so much on the line, O'Kane last scarcely more than half an hour at Portman Road before being sent off with a straight red card. Having been on top up until then, Leeds would go on to lose 1-0, a wonderful strike from Bersant Celina giving Mick McCarthy's side the three points.
Although some suspected it had been a head-butt from O'Kane, it would seem that a shove was more likely from O'Kane. Whatever the reality, Leeds fans were fairly merciless in their condemnation of the Irish midfielder.
Not too sure whether #lufc Eunan O'Kane red card was down to him elbowing or slapping #itfc Knudsen. But both happened in front of ref, off ball so you can't quibble. Maybe he was dabbing? #bbcfootball
— Marc Webber (@marcwebber) January 13, 2018
Today was the first time Eunan O'Kane has been sent off in his whole career. No idea what made him lose his head like that. #lufc
— FionaCK 💙💛 (@FionaCK) January 13, 2018
Eunan O'Kane.. . Keeping the 'Dirty' Leeds tradition alive. @Official_ITFC
— Karl Darren Pearce (@KarlDarrenPear2) January 13, 2018
@eunan10 looking forward to your Twitter apology. Makes all the difference
— Only fools and Orta (@WAFLL_92) January 13, 2018
Eunan O’Kane has really fucked us today hasn’t he? It’s been an absolute Leeds of a game #lufc
— Dave Archbold (@Dave_Archbold) January 13, 2018
Eunan O'Kane's fault and nobody else's #lufc
— Kevin Kane (@kevinkane325) January 13, 2018
In need of a friendly face perhaps, O'Kane can be seen appealing to the good nature of his international team-mate and Ipswich player, David McGoldrick.
You can watch the contentious incident play out below.
