Speaking to the Yorkshire Evening Post, Thomas Christiansen has criticised Leeds United’s supporters for their treatment of Jay-Roy Grot during Saturday’s 1-0 victory over Norwich City in the Sky Bet Championship.

Christiansen introduced Grot late in the second-half, as Leeds looked to close out the contest at Elland Road. However, the Dutch youngster failed to make an impact form the bench and was the recipient of sarcastic jeers from the Elland Road crowd, who were becoming increasingly frustrated with his contribution.

Ultimately, Grot’s lack of impact didn’t stop Leeds picking up three points, with Pontus Jansson’s first-half header enough to help the Whites continue their revival and move back within touching distance of the Championship’s top-six.

However, Christiansen was keen to bring up supporters’ treatment of Grot following the game, with the Leeds boss far from impressed with the crowd’s reaction to the 19-year-old, he said: “I think we have a problem (when people) criticise one of our players. We speak about having to stay together so we stay together with the best or the worst, whatever. Always together.

“He’s the same as all the players. All of them are important to me and he will be too.”

Grot arrived at Elland Road late in the summer transfer window, but the striker has so far disappointed, managing to make just two starts across all competitions, both of which came in the Carabao Cup, with the 19-year-old’s only contribution in the Championship coming from the bench.

Christiansen is without Caleb Ekuban and Pierre-Michel Lasogga, which has left him short of attacking options heading into a crucial festive period for the Whites, who sit one place and one point outside the top-six.

Leeds welcome Hull City to Elland Road on Saturday before heading away for back-to-back fixtures between Christmas and New Year, travelling to Burton Albion and Birmingham City.

The Verdict

Abuse aimed towards Grot might be harsh, particularly with the striker’s opportunities extremely limited under Christiansen, however, his contribution hasn’t been good enough.

Saturday was a prime example of that, with the striker failing to make the impact the crowd or Christiansen expected of him.

However, injuries have put him in a situation where he is so close to the Leeds first-team, and you would expect that when additions are made in January, it will open the door for Grot in the under-23s or out on-loan.

Leeds fans… Let us know your thoughts!