Reading 2-0 Leeds United: Post-Match Quotes

Reading came out 2-0 winners against Leeds on Good Friday with United fielding a patched up side due to injury, illness and suspension. In a game which saw referee Darren Drysdale send off United's Zac Thompson, the level of commitment shown by Warnock's men meant there was little to complain about. Reading fans and players alike didn't think so though and now the dust has settled on a fiery contest at the Madejski stadium, below are some post match quotes from the Yorkshire Evening Post:

In a proud manner Warnock said:

"The players were fantastic under the circumstances. We had a makeshift team and I didn't think they had a shot on goal until they scored. We played really well under the cosh and I'm right pleased."

"We had the best chances, we can't blame anybody for that but ourselves. I'd have expected Ross to score his and Rob didn't have the belief he needed. He wanted to hit the target instead of just smashing it. If Snodgrass scores we win the game because they panic like hell with 20 minutes to go. We've had an opportunity to beat the best side in the league in my eyes and that's with a made-up side. I'm absolutely delighted."

On Thompson's red card:

"But I've never seen players surround the referee like they did here. It does influence him. We're told not to do it but everybody seems to. Straight away he gives the red and I thought the kid was unlucky, having watched it three or four times. The ref only sees it once but when you've got the crowd and five or six players around you straight away, you tend to react."

"I don't think it's a red card, not when you see it in slow motion. I thought Pugh's tackle was worse. He should have been sent off and Hunt's challenge on Lonergan was a disgrace."

Brian McDermott said:

"The referee took the decision to send the young lad (Thompson) off but Pugh made a tackle on Jem which was a certain red card. He should have been sent off. It was very difficult for us and Federici made a crucial save at 0-0 but if you need someone to score a goal, we've got the perfect man"

Meanwhile Reading's Jobi McAnuff spoke out to Talksport:

"I thought a few of the tackles were pretty reckless. We've just had a bit of news through that Jem Karacan had a bad knock on his ankle and I think it could be broken. I don't even think there was a free-kick given for that challenge. That was just one of many and I think it was a dangerous precedent to set really when the referee doesn't give any fouls early on. It got a little bit out of control."

"We tried to not get too involved in those tactics but it is difficult when yourself and your team-mates are getting literally chopped down. There were some very high and some very dangerous tackles. You don't mind a fair honest tackle but when they're the ones putting players in danger, like the one today that's happened on Karacan, then you're angry. Some of the tackles leave a sour taste in the mouth."