Steven Schumacher criticises Xavier Simons for striking Harry Gray in 1-0 defeat | OneFootball

Bolton Wanderers manager Steven Schumacher criticised midfielder Xavier Simons for lashing out at Harry Gray during a 1-0 League Cup defeat to Sheffield Wednesday.

Simons, 23, was sent off 10 minutes after half-time for swinging an arm into the Leeds United loanee’s midriff after complaining his shirt had been pulled. Gray, 17, continued and completed 78 minutes on his competitive Wednesday debut.

"From the angle I've seen it from this side, it looks like Xav has reacted and lashed out, which he knows you can't do," Schumacher said. "It's a poor decision, and it's a decision that you wouldn't expect from him. It's the first time I've seen him do that since he's been here, and I'm sure he'll be disappointed with it." He was speaking to The Star.

Simons now faces a three-match suspension for violent conduct.

Gray is set for his first full season in senior football at Hillsborough during his loan. He played 20 times for Rotherham United in the second half of last season, scoring three in a side relegated from League One, and started every game despite a March change of manager. He made his Leeds first-team debut in April 2025.

Source: Leeds Live

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