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Leeds captain Liam Cooper issues grovelling apology after being sent off in disastrous 3-1 loss at Cardiff

Cooper was shown second yellow card for dangreous tackle before half-time as Leeds were beaten at Cardiff with the Welsh side taking thier place at top of Championship

LEEDS UNITED skipper Liam Cooper has issued a grovelling apology following his red card in the defeat to Cardiff.

Cooper saw red in first-half injury time as the home side were 2-0 down to the Bluebirds who went on to win 3-1 to replace Leeds at the top of the Championship.

 Liam Cooper is ent off against Cardiff
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Liam Cooper is ent off against CardiffCredit: Rex Features

The United skipper was already on a booking when he dived into a challenge with Nathaniel Mendez-Laing and gave referee Kevin Friend no choice but to brandish a second yellow card.

Cooper took to social media to apologise for his early shower, which was the fourth sending off of his career.

He said on Twitter: “Embarrassed and disappointed with myself!”

“I’ve let my team-mates down and the fans tonight, not good enough and not acceptable.

“Stick with us, we have an unbelievable support..Massive game next week..#MOT.”

United boss Marcus Christiansen refused to publicly stick the boot into his captain, despite his moment of madness.

 Liam Cooper booked and sent off for his high challenge on Nathaniel Mendez-Laing
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Liam Cooper booked and sent off for his high challenge on Nathaniel Mendez-LaingCredit: Getty Images - Getty
 Liam Cooper’s night is over after second booking at Cardiff City
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Liam Cooper’s night is over after second booking at Cardiff CityCredit: Getty Images - Getty
 Leeds United boss Marcus Christiansen refused to blame Liam Cooper for defeat
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Leeds United boss Marcus Christiansen refused to blame Liam Cooper for defeatCredit: Getty - Contributor
 Neil Warnock celebrates win over his former club Leeds United
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Neil Warnock celebrates win over his former club Leeds UnitedCredit: PA:Press Association

Christiansen said: “His experience in that situation should have stopped him, but I don’t want to blame anyone individually.

“When we win, we all win and when we lose, we all lose.”

Cardiff took full control of the game with first-half strikes from Kenneth Zohore and Junior Hoilett.

Zohore made the game safe for Neil Warnock’s side before Kemar Roofe bagged a consolation as Leeds dropped to second in the Championship.

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