Leeds United supporters are known for their passion and vociferous support for the team and their players. But once you leave Elland Road, you could become persona non grata.
Several Leeds players left Elland Road in the last summer transfer window as the Whites carried out major surgery on their squad to improve the options for Daniel Farke.
Leeds saw Illan Meslier, Karl Darlow and Sam Byram depart on free transfers, while Sebastiaan Bornauw, Joel Piroe, Wilfried Gnonto and Lucas Perri were sent out on loan.
Pascal Struijk became Leeds’ first significant summer departure, moving to Brighton in a deal worth around £18m after opting against extending his contract with the Whites.
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Former Leeds star’s wife hits out at Whites fans
Struijk was subbed on with 90 seconds to go on the clock during Leeds United’s 1-1 draw against Brighton at the Amex Stadium on Saturday.
The centre-back was met with boos from the away end, a clear sign of what the Leeds fans feel about his departure from Elland Road in the summer.
An Instagram post from the LUFC Legacy page shared a photo of Pascal Struijk embracing Daniel Farke at full-time following the game against Brighton.
The post criticised some Leeds supporters for their reaction to Struijk, with the caption stating: “He didn’t leave us after relegation or when things were difficult. He chose to try something different when the club was in a good place, and we also got a good fee for him.
“Not every player who leaves has to become a villain. We should be able to appreciate someone who served Leeds for so long and left on good terms.
“We always talk about being a class fanbase and respecting players who have given everything for the club. Struijk deserves that respect. Booing him just feels unnecessary and, honestly, beneath us.
“He was one of our own for over eight years. We should remember that.”
Struijk’s wife, Abigail Mondria Struijk, appeared to agree with the message, leaving a comment beneath the post.
“Yes, very embarrassing,” she replied.
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This is not a huge issue
Leeds had no option but to sell Struijk once he refused to sign a new deal, as they didn’t want to lose him on a free transfer at the end of the season.
However, the reaction from the Leeds away end on Saturday was more playful banter rather than venomous booing of a former player.
Also, Leeds fans have every reason to show their displeasure at a player who left the club for a team like Brighton, especially since both clubs are in the Premier League.
Yes, he left on good terms, and there was no animosity, but the Whites fans still have the right to let him know that they were not happy to watch him leave.
