Sky Sports Deletes Jamie Carragher Clip After Leeds Stars Deemed ‘Not Premier League Standard’
Sky Sports was forced to remove a clip featuring Jamie Carragher after the pundit sparked controversy by claiming two Leeds United players, Diego Llorente and Robin Koch, were not up to Premier League standard. The incident occurred during a Monday Night Football segment analyzing Leeds’ 4-1 loss to Crystal Palace in November 2020, where Carragher dissected Marcelo Bielsa’s man-marking system. While praising Leeds’ intensity, he singled out Llorente and Koch, suggesting their defensive frailties exposed the team against top-tier opposition.
Carragher’s comments didn’t sit well with Leeds fans, who took to social media to defend their players. “Llorente and Koch have been solid for us. Carragher’s out of touch,” one fan tweeted, while others accused him of bias toward bigger clubs. The backlash prompted Sky Sports to delete the clip from their platforms, though no official statement was issued. Sources suggest the move was to avoid further inflaming tensions, especially given Leeds’ passionate fanbase and their recent return to the Premier League after a 16-year absence.
The former Liverpool defender, known for his forthright analysis, had highlighted Leeds’ defensive vulnerabilities, noting that Llorente and Koch struggled to cope with Palace’s pace and movement. “They’re not at the level required for this league,” he said, pointing to their positioning errors. While Carragher’s critique was rooted in Leeds’ heavy defeat, fans argued he overlooked the duo’s contributions to Bielsa’s high-pressing style, which had earned plaudits for its bravery.
This isn’t the first time Carragher’s remarks have stirred trouble. In 2024, Sky Sports pulled a clip after he claimed Manchester City wouldn’t finish in the top four, following a complaint about his words being “twisted.” Similarly, his Leeds comments highlight the fine line pundits tread when critiquing fan-favorite teams. Leeds, under Bielsa, were a breath of fresh air in the 2020-21 season, finishing ninth, with Llorente and Koch later proving their worth in subsequent campaigns.
The episode underscores the power of fan backlash in the social media age, forcing broadcasters like Sky Sports to act swiftly. For Carragher, it’s another reminder that his candid style, while admired, can ignite fierce debate. Leeds fans, meanwhile, continue to rally behind their squad, proving their Premier League mettle.
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