Leeds defender Pontus Jansson banned following TV outburst | OneFootball

Jansson netted a late equaliser in the game but the Swede was highly critical of referee Jeremy Simpson’s performance after Luke Ayling was sent off in stoppage time.

“It (the result) is shit to be fair,” said Jansson, during a live interview with Sky Sports.

And when he was warned to mind his language, the 27-year-old said: “I don’t care. This was a robbery from the referee so it feels bad. Do you think I should be happy? No chance.”

Jansson apologised via his official Twitter account following the game but on Tuesday, it was announced that he will serve a one-match ban for his role in the incident.

And Leeds confirmed in a lengthy statement released via their official website that they see “no value in making an appeal.”

“All parties agree that the language used by Pontus in his flash interview after the game was inappropriate,” read the statement.

“However we also feel that a warning or a fine would have been a fairer outcome, especially given the following mitigating circumstances which we outlined to the FA in a letter following the charge:

‘1. Pontus is a passionate and committed professional. After playing 95 minutes of a full blooded game, which pundits described as “showcasing the best of the Championship”, Pontus was asked to “sum up his feelings”. Whilst his response was inappropriate and ill judged, it was a heartfelt and honest answer given in the heat of competition. There was no element of pre-meditation.

2. Pontus immediately regretted his response and issued a swift and public apology. He fully understands his responsibilities and the standards the FA and Leeds United hold him to, and accepts that on this occasion he briefly fell below those standards. Accordingly he immediately accepted the charge.

3. Pontus was under unusual pressure as his wife was due to give birth. His outburst was uncharacteristic. He is a great professional and active in many of our Leeds United community and charitable endeavours.

4. The club take the charge seriously and have used this incident to remind all players of their responsibilities.’

As a result of the ban Leeds United will take the following days to review our post match interview procedures.”

Jansson will now miss Wednesday’s visit of Ipswich Town but will be available for Saturday’s clash with Nottingham Forest.