Leeds gift Aston Villa uncontested goal in amazing show of sportsmanship after promotion contenders had scored while player was down injured

LEEDS United manager Marcelo Biesla ordered his players to LET Aston Villa equalise in an amazing show of sportsmanship today – and in doing so ended his team’s hopes of automatic promotion to the Premier League.

Bielsa’s men opened the scoring in the heated Championship clash thanks to a Mateusz Klich strike – but Villa had a man down injured during the build-up.

Aston Villa players were wildly waving their arms – with many stopping playing altogether – demanding the referee call a halt to the game well before Leeds found the net.

And the controversial goal led to an incredible, heated scrap between the players on the pitch – with Bielsa and Villa assistant John Terry squaring up.

Villa’s Anwar El Ghazi was sent-off during the wild melee, with Leeds ace Patrick Bamford fortunate to escape with only a yellow card.

Moments later, Leeds chief Bielsa – fresh from his row with JT – appeared to order his side to let Villa score an equaliser.

The gesture is all the more incredible given the fact Bielsa knew nothing less than a win at Elland Road would suffice in Leeds’ hopes of securing an automatic promotion spot.

Leeds’ Premier League push now hinges solely on the playoffs – where they could yet meet Aston Villa again.

Despite the boss’ orders, defender Pontus Jansson still desperately battled to stop Villa scoring, lunging into to the attacking players.

“WHAT THE F*** IS GOING ON?”

But Albert Adomah was still able to smash the ball home past disinterested keeper Kiko Casilla.

Leeds fans then erupted in a chorus of: “What the f*** is going on?”

Despite ordering his stars to gift Villa an equaliser, Bielsa then continued his row with Terry – who was seen shrugging his shoulders throughout.

Earlier in the game, Villa had showcased their sportsmanship, putting the ball out of play on the hour-mark following an injury to a Leeds star.

After a bonkers ten-minute period, the game eventually settled down and the two sides played out an intense 1-1 draw.

The result officially ruled out automatic promotion for Leeds, with Sheffield United now securing their place in the Premier League after they beat Ipswich 2-0 on Saturday.

Both Leeds and Aston Villa have, however, secured their places in the Championship playoff places.

After the game, Bielsa explained his decision, saying: “We just gave the goal back. The facts are what everyone saw.

“English football is known for sportsmanship, so I don’t have to comment on this kind of thing.

Meanwhile, opposition boss Dean Smith praised Leeds, adding: “The referees missed a foul on Jonathan Kodjia in the centre circle and what happens then, Tyler Roberts should probably put the ball out.

“Everybody stops, he doesn’t. We’d just done it for their lad when we were attacking in the corner.

“Klich has just apologised to me after the game. He said he shouldn’t have done that, it’s wrong.

“Every credit to Leeds United and Marcelo Bielsa for giving us the opportunity to put that right.