FANS were stunned by Leon Bailey’s uncontrollable tears and apology more than his shocking last-gasp miss – as Aston Villa drew with Wolves.
Supporters reacted with comments like “it was just Wolves at home not the Champions League final” as Bailey lay on the ground distraught at the end and then apologised on Instagram for his wasteful finishing.
Devastated Leon Bailey was quick to apologise on social media
Villa winger Bailey can’t believe he dragged his shot wide as he reflects on the draw at the final whistle
Danny Ings was among the Villa players quickly over to console Bailey
Bailey admits it will be ‘difficult to sleep’ after this late miss
Villa piled on the pressure late on and the Jamaica winger rounded keeper Jose Sa, only to somehow slot wide.
Moments later Bailey had to be consoled by team-mates after the final whistle on a 1-1 stalemate.
Yet had he hit a winner Villa would still be in the same 11th position and Wolves still second bottom.
Fans on social media applauded the former Bayer Leverkusen star for “showing he cared”.
He himself posted: “I am really sorry Villans.
“I feel at blame for not coming away with all 3 points tonight. It’s really hard to take and I’m very disappointed in myself.
“Surely will be very difficult to sleep tonight but I’ll try to keep my head up.
“Thank you for the great support tonight.”
Supporters, though, quickly rallied round him online.
HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
One said: “It’s not like he intentionally missed and it was actually pleasing to see his reaction and how desperately he wanted to get the win for us. Unfortunate.”
Another tried to reassure him: “Head up Leon, don’t be too hard on yourself! You played fantastic and was unlucky, every villa fan saw how much that hurt. We all love you Leon UTV.”
And this post also spoke for many: “Chin up Leon, look forwards and put in some top performances.”
Some fans pointed out “every forward have bad misses”.
But a few social media users were less sympathetic.
One argued: “He should be sorry. He did not perform well at all. “
And another said: “£100k a week I’m sure you’ll sleep fine.”
Strikes Ollie Watkins and Danny Ings try to comfort Leon Bailey
At this stage Bailey looked on course for a late winner as he bypassed Wolves keeper Jose Sa but went on to miss from a slight angle
