Illan Meslier in Tears After Costly Mistake in 2-2 Draw

Illan Meslier broke down in tears after his costly mistake in Leeds United’s 2-2 draw against Sunderland on Friday, head coach Daniel Farke revealed. In the 97th minute, Meslier let Alan Browne’s hopeful ball slip past him just as the match seemed over, costing Leeds the win and a chance to move level on points with league leaders Sunderland. Leeds now sit three points behind in third place in the Championship.

Farke expressed deep sympathy for Meslier, saying, “After such a situation, you don’t need to talk to him. He’s the saddest person in the dressing room.” The Leeds boss acknowledged how losing two points in this manner deeply affected the team, leaving them stunned. Farke debated the nature of the error, suggesting that captain Pascal Struijk saw the ball take an awkward bounce in front of Meslier possibly due to a divot on the pitch.

“Pascal said it bounced and jumped in the other direction because of a mark on the pitch,” Farke explained, though he couldn’t confirm this himself. Sunderland head coach Regis Le Bris, who had worked with Illan Meslier at Lorient’s academy, spoke with his former player after the match. Le Bris sympathized with Meslier, noting, “Anyone can make a mistake.

For a goalkeeper, the consequences are severe. It happened today, but we’re happy with the final result.” Farke concluded by calling the late error “heartbreaking,” describing it as a devastating way for his injury-hit Leeds side to drop points after an otherwise impressive performance at the Stadium of Light.