Leeds starlet Archie Gray, 16, stretchered off after John McGinn horror challenge as fans slam ‘disgusting’ tackle

LEEDS teenager Archie Gray was carried off on a stretcher after a horror challenge from John McGinn during their 1-0 pre-season defeat to Aston Villa.

The 16-year-old midfielder fell to the floor and was left writhing in pain before being helped off the pitch at the Suncorp Stadium in Australia.

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Leeds starlet Archie Gray left on a stretcher against Aston Villa following a tackle by John McGinnCredit: Getty

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McGinn checked up on teenager Gray as he left the pitch with a leg brace onCredit: Getty

McGinn closed down academy graduate Gray as he looked to pass the ball away, and while he made contact with the ball, he followed through with his studs.

Gray instantly went down in pain, where he required a leg brace on his right foot.

Scotland star McGinn was booked for the tackle in the 71st minute and apologised to Gray as he left the pitch.

Leeds boss Jesse Marsch said: “We’re hopeful it’s not too bad.

“He was in some pain initially when they assessed it after the match. They’re hopeful nothing’s broken and it’s just an ankle sprain.

“We’ll see exactly the severity of it in the next couple of days, but hopefully not too bad.”

Villans gaffer Steven Gerrard said: “We wish the young kid very well.

“Hopefully it’s not a long injury. John’s got the ball, he’s been unlucky in the follow through.”

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Leeds fans were left incensed by the tackle, as one user tweeted: “To do that, on a 16-year-old kid, in a pre-season ‘friendly’ is absolutely, utterly disgusting.”

Another commented: “Cowardly tackle from John McGinn. Over the top of the ball, straight into Gray. Shown a yellow, deserved a red.”

A third added: “That tackle by McGinn on 16-year-old Archie Gray in a pre-season friendly was an unmitigated disgrace. Petulent, pre-meditated, and poor from a senior professional.”

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Archie Gray fights Emi Buendia for the ball in Leeds’ pre-season clash against Aston VillaCredit: AFP

This supporter then said: “How people can defend McGinn for that tackle is incredible. McGinn should be ashamed of himself after that tackle.”

Meanwhile another messaged: “Really hope Archie Gray is okay, McGinn should be ashamed of himself.”

One then simply stated: “How the f*** did McGinn not get a red after his challenge.”