Spitting storm overshadows Saiz hat-trick
SPANIARD Samuel Saiz Alonso marked his Leeds United debut with a hat-trick — then found himself at the centre of spitting accusations.
Port Vale manager Michael Brown, a former Leeds player, claimed the attacking midfielder had spat at defender Joe Davis in the first half.
‘The guy who scored three goals spat in Joe Davis’s face in the 40th minute and it is very hard to take,’ Brown said.
‘We asked their staff to take him off. They ignored that and he scored three goals. That is why it was getting a bit heated down in the technical area.’
What a welcome to England for Saiz, who told Leeds staff after the match that he spat at the ground, not at Davis.
The player, born in Madrid, was as artistic and deadly as a matador against Vale.
The last time a Leeds player scored three goals in his first game for the club was 1989 — Carl Shutt.
Whatever happens next, Saiz is guaranteed his place in the hearts of the Elland Road faithful and has given new manager Thomas Christiansen food for thought.
‘Samu gave us a small taste of what he can do,’ Christiansen said. ‘ I am really pleased by his performance but this is not a one- day show, this should be a one-season show.
‘He is a player who enjoys being on the ball. He has quality and he’s intelligent and he was a very important player today.’
Saiz’s first strike came in the first quarter of an hour but did not settle Leeds nerves as their old boy Michael Tonge levelled.
Leeds improved in the second half and Saiz struck twice in as many minutes, with Caleb Ekuban wrapping it up.
Vale’s Gavin Gunning was sent off for a second yellow card in the dying minutes and tempers flared at the final whistle.