Leeds United’s defeat to Aston Villa has created a big storm, not only inside Elland Road but also across the football world.
After the full-time whistle, many fans showed their anger with loud chants, and now former Premier League defender Martin Keown has stepped in to defend the players.
But Leeds fans believe he has misunderstood the whole situation.
In this article, we look at what fans really chanted, why Keown criticised them, and why many supporters feel his comments are unfair.
Chants Break Out as Elland Road Turns Frustrated
Leeds United were doing well in the first half, but Aston Villa took control in the second half.
The Leeds players looked tired and slow, and Villa began to dominate the match.
Around the 60th minute, the crowd at Elland Road started chanting for Daniel Farke to make substitutions.
Supporters could see the game slipping away, and they wanted fresh legs on the pitch.
Fans shouted for players like Dan James and Willy Gnonto to come on, while others worried that Brenden Aaronson was struggling again.
When the match finished, and Leeds had lost again, the frustration grew louder.
The atmosphere was tense. Fans directed chants at Farke because of the late substitutions, not because they hated the players. They simply felt the manager reacted too slowly.
Martin Keown Defends Aaronson and Criticises the Leeds Fans
After the match, Martin Keown spoke on TalkSport and questioned the behaviour of the Leeds crowd.
He pointed out how fans shouted things when Aaronson was on the pitch and suggested supporters were being too harsh.
Keown said, “If this was your own son out there, you would not chant like that. Leeds fans must pack it in and support their team.”
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He also said that Dan James made mistakes too when he came on, but did not receive the same level of criticism from the crowd.
Keown claimed the fans needed to “look at themselves” and be more patient.
His comments have now started a big debate among the Leeds United fanbase.
Leeds Fans Say Keown Misunderstood the Whole Situation
While Keown defended Aaronson, Leeds fans believe his opinion is not based on what really happened inside Elland Road.
Many supporters say the “make a sub” chants were not against Aaronson personally.
They were aimed at Daniel Farke because he waited too long to make changes.
The fans saw Villa taking over the match and wanted something to happen earlier.
Supporters feel the chants were about tactics, not individuals.
In fact, the anger was mostly about Farke being too slow with substitutions in recent matches as well.
Against Nottingham Forest the week before, it was the same problem, the rival manager had made earlier changes, and it worked.
Leeds fans argued that they have the right to show emotion.
They pay money, they travel, they watch their team every week, and when they see things going wrong, they react loudly.
That does not mean they are attacking the players.
For many supporters, Keown’s comments show he simply does not understand the passion and frustration inside Elland Road.
Where Do Leeds Go From Here?
Despite the noise and arguments, one thing is clear: Leeds United need to improve fast.
Fans want more energy, quicker reactions, and smarter decisions from the bench.
The team has good players, but the Premier League is tough, and one slow decision can cost the game.
Daniel Farke will now feel the pressure to show he can react earlier in matches.
The crowd is behind the team, but they expect action when the game is slipping away.
As the January window gets closer, the club may also need new signings to give the squad fresh power.
One thing is certain: Leeds fans will always speak their mind, and that passion is what makes Elland Road special.
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