During the half-time break of Leeds United’s game against Blackburn Rovers, the atmosphere at Elland Road was filled with emotion as the fans paid tribute to Stuart Dallas. The midfielder, who recently announced his retirement at the end of the season, was greeted with cheers and chants as he took a lap of honour around the pitch with his family by his side.
The 32-year-old has been out of action since sustaining a femoral fracture in a collision with Jack Grealish, but his impact on and off the pitch has not been forgotten by the club and its supporters. As Dallas made his way around the stadium, teammates Liam Cooper and Patrick Bamford playfully pushed him onto the pitch, showcasing the camaraderie and respect among the players.
The fans inside Elland Road stayed in their seats to show their appreciation for Dallas, with chants of ‘there’s only one Stuart Dallas’ filling the air. The midfielder and his family stopped in front of the Kop for a memorable photo before waving goodbye to the crowd.
As Dallas made his way back towards the tunnel, Cooper was there waiting with open arms for a hug, followed by a guard of honour from the rest of the staff. In his tribute column in the match programme, Cooper expressed his sadness at Dallas’ retirement but also his gratitude for the impact he has had on the team and the club.
With only a few games left in the season, the players are determined to give their all for Dallas and finish on a high note in his honor. The legacy of Stuart Dallas at Leeds United will forever be cherished, both on and off the pitch.
