Middlesbrough's recent good form came to a shuddering halt at the weekend as they lost at Elland Road to Leeds United.

Going into the game, many were probably expecting a different result and a Boro win with them the side in form and Leeds struggling to get any wins on the board whatsoever in recent weeks.

However, the Whites started brightly and got themselves in front as Boro toiled to try and get level. Ultimately, they would not manage it, too, and so it is back to the drawing board for Garry Monk and his men.

One thing that might cause Boro fans to worry most of all, though, is this apparent forearm to the face of Gaetano Berardi from Daniel Ayala in the game - via @Dazelar29 on Twitter:

Certainly, it's pretty poor behaviour from the centre-half in what looks a pretty deliberate attempt to get Berardi ruffled during the game.

The Leeds man is never shy of getting into a scrap and perhaps Ayala felt that by doing this he could get the left-back sent off.

It remains to be seen now, though, whether or not there is retrospective action.

The Verdict

This doesn't look good on Ayala's part with him clearly leading with the arm into Berardi.

Whether or not other angles make it seem less condemning remains to be seen but this particular clip covers him in no glory at all.

Thoughts, Boro fans? Let us know below!