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CRAIG HOPE: Jesse Marsch must reduce the risk factor and take a leaf out of Frank Lampard’s book if Leeds are to stay up… Luke Ayling’s reckless lunge leaves the club with more than a whiff of relegation about them

There is an uncomfortable irony in Jesse Marsch quoting pacifist Mahatma Gandhi as inspiration for his Leeds United players and then seeing captain Luke Ayling ruled out for the remainder of their relegation scrap because of a two-footed lunge.

When senior players abandon their senses in such a negligent manner — it was almost as if he chose to be sent off — it usually points to a deeper-rooted frustration behind the scenes.

The last time Leeds were relegated from the Premier League in 2004, Mark Viduka was dismissed during a 4-1 defeat at Bolton on the day their fate was effectively sealed.