Simon Grayson defended Lloyd Sam after Hull City accused the winger of putting in a "coward's challenge" on Liam Rosenior.
Leeds midfielder accused of 'coward's challenge'
Leeds boss Simon Grayson defended Lloyd Sam after Hull City manager Nigel Pearson accused the winger of putting in a "coward's challenge" on Liam Rosenior.
The Tigers defender was carried off in the 2-2 draw at the KC Stadium and required lengthy treatment for the injury.
Rosenior and Sam collided on the edge of the United penalty box in the closing stages of a lively encounter.
Pearson was unequivocal in his take on the matter. "I've just seen it, I didn't realise how bad it was at the time but he's led with his arm. It's a bit of a coward's challenge, unfortunately."
But Grayson claimed Sam went into the challenge with honest intentions.
"I've just seen it now and Lloyd's gone for the ball with it and he's unfortunately just followed through and caught him with his arm.
"Lloyd's not the type of player to get involved in any sort of deliberate elbows. He's got the ball, his momentum has carried him through.
"Normally, Lloyd's jumping out of the way of those things so it's an unfortunate incident.
"The referee's so close to it as well - if he thought it was deliberate, I'm sure he'd do something about it.
"I think it's the right decision. He's not that type of player. We wish Liam well and hopefully he's alright in the next few days."
The incident clouded a thrilling encounter that had seen the Tigers race into a two-goal lead.
Matty Fryatt and James Chester put them in control before a Robert Snodgrass free-kick - curled past Brad Guzan - and a Davide Somma rocket ensured the spoils were shared.
It capped a keenly-fought contest and both bosses found some common ground in the outcome.
Grayson said: "They had good opportunities, we had good opportunities and giving them a two-goal start was difficult from our point of view.
"We had opportunities second half, as Hull did, but I think over the course of the game a draw was about a fair result for both teams."
