Aston Villa defender Axel Tuanzebe: Leeds redeemed themselves by allowing us to score

Albert Adomah was allowed to net one of the strangest goals in the history of the game to level the scores at Elland Road, following Mateusz Klich’s hugely controversial opener for the hosts.

Klich netted when Leeds played on despite Villa’s players expecting to the ball to be put out of play following an injury to Jonathan Kodjia.

That sparked angry scenes in which Villa winger Anwar El Ghazi was sent-off following an altercation with Leeds striker Patrick Bamford.

After a five minute delay, home boss Marcelo Bielsa then instructed his team to let Villa score.

Asked when players had learned of the development, Tuanzebe said: “Just about 10 seconds before kick-off!

“I just got information pitch-side, saying they’re going to let us score the goal. It’s just good sportsmanship from their team.

“They didn’t have to let us score, but I think they portrayed good sportsmanship by letting us score the goal. Respect to them.”

Leeds had played on, despite initially looking set to put the ball out of play.

Tuanzebe continued: “Everyone stopped playing. I’m disappointed in myself that I stopped playing.”

“As a defender you have to be pessimistic and seek out danger. We all expected them to kick the ball out, they didn’t do so, but they didn’t have to.

“They redeemed themselves by showing good sportsmanship.”

Villa withstood huge pressure in the closing stages before seeing out the draw and Tuanzebe said: “When you go ten men down in a place like this, you know it’s going to be difficult.

“Respect to the lads, they battled. We gave our blood, sweat and tears. We left it all out on the pitch and you can’t ask for much more than that from your teammates.”