Leeds vs Blackburn match report: Rudy Austin dismissal makes bad week worse - despite Red Bull connection

Leeds United 0 Blackburn Rovers 3

(Getty Images)

Red Bull were replaced by a red card as one of the long list of talking points at Leeds United, who suffered another day of confusion and controversy.

Rumours suggest Red Bull are interested in buying Leeds, who had the edge over Blackburn before the 40th-minute dismissal of midfielder Rudy Austin.

Exactly why they would be is difficult to fathom because Leeds remain a club with off-the pitch issues springing from the exit of assistant coach Steve Thompson and their treatment of striker Mirco Antenucci.

Coach Neil Redfearn is furious that Thompson has been ordered out of the club by the owners, who also want to see Antenucci sidelined in case he scores two more goals which will earn him a one-year contract extension.

Redfearn said he felt “isolated” following Thompson’s exit. He said: “It’s been a tough week and a lot has happened, but the lads have been brilliant. Plenty of people seem to be saying things so I will leave it to them.”

“All I can do is what I do. Until I’m told differently, I will get on with my job. I am hoping there will be stability.

“The reaction of the fans was touching today. The lads know the supporters are behind them and we are going in the right direction, full of young and exuberant players.”

Those players were impressive yesterday and they had the edge over Blackburn before Austin’s exit for a clash with Ben Marshall. Redfearn (pictured above with goalkeeping coach Neil Sullivan) said: “I didn’t think it was a sending-off. Rudy turned round and pushed him with his forearm. Rudy didn’t have to do it, but it was very soft. The referee should have given both of them a yellow card.”

Blackburn took control after half-time and goals from Tom Cairney, Jordan Rhodes and Jay Spearing provided perfect preparation for Wednesday’s FA Cup quarter-final replay against Liverpool.

Manager Gary Bowyer said: “I thought we were excellent. We were disciplined and organised and handled the occasion well considering what had gone on here off the pitch.”

Leeds United: (4-4-1-1) Silvestri; Wootton (Antenucci, 66), Bamba, Bellusci, Berardi (Cooper, 66); Byram, Murphy, Mowatt, C Taylor; Austin; Morison (Sharp, 86).

Blackburn Rovers: (4-4-2) Raya; Henley (P Taylor, 59), Baptiste, Kilgallon, Olsson; Cairney, Spearing, Williamson, Marshall; Rhodes, Gestede (Brown, 64), O’Sullivan, 81).

Referee: Gary Sutton.

Man of the match: Rhodes (Blackburn)

Match rating: 6/10