The £200,000 fine levied on Leeds United should have been the end of any lingering vestiges of the sage that came to be known as ‘Spygate’. You’d think so, anyway.
Ahead of Leeds United’s demolition of Derby County. in which the Rams were massively outplayed, an employee of the Whites was discovered loitering with intent outside Derby’s training ground.
More Basildon Bond than James, the Leeds employee had a pair of secateurs to clear obstructing shrubbery and a pair of binoculars to spy on Derby’s training. Cue uproar, an EFL investigation and much vocal opposition to Marcelo Bielsa’s methods.
Much of that vocal nature came from the likes of Norwich City, Derby County and Bristol City – Leeds’ opponents yesterday. Bristol City’s owner was very vocal in pushing for a points deduction for the Whites, a deduction for breaking no rules and standing on a public highway.
Then, then there was this.
Leeds owner Radrizzani stokes fires after Bristol City decision
This is unacceptable and we will invite the family at Elland Road as guests. what can you expect from a club whom request points deductions for no reasons and didn’t accept our documentary crew to access at the ground and follow our team. Focus on Reading now #mot 💛💙 https://t.co/ajOZaVDYZ6
— Andrea Radrizzani (@andrearadri) March 10, 2019
Basic story is that the Leeds United fan in the picture purchased a set of tickets for the family stand/enclosure at Bristol City through their box office. He made it known that they were Leeds United fans, transaction successful. Then, with the young ‘uns wearing Leeds United socks, the group were thrown out.
This comes on the back of news that Leeds United’s travelling support, which is always in the 1000s, was due to be bolstered by some supporters surreptitiously purchasing tickets in the home end. Bristol City, as pictured below, were taking no changes regarding the Leeds United fans.
taking no risks with the away end. Almost half the stand covered up. pic.twitter.com/0XI7cUiYOY
— Phil Hay (@PhilHayYEP) March 9, 2019
The reaction to Radrizzani’s tweet – fan fallout
The fact that Andrea Radrizzani tweeted this, adds a whole level of legitimacy to the incident. The wording of his tweet is bound to inflame the situation, this is some of what Leeds fans have been saying in response.
Well said that man. #wguafc.
— lee (@montyoxymoron) March 10, 2019
You have owned the bristol city “owner” well done Andrea for standing up for what is right #mot #lufc
— (((dazlongthorne))) (@leedslovingdaz) March 10, 2019
@andrearadri that’s what we are up against all the time. But we are Leeds and your a top man! #alaw
— Ryan Lumb (@lumbug83) March 10, 2019
Andrea, short sharp diplomatic response to them speaks volumes for our clubs values. I hope and trust our club will never swim in the same waters that they do. Respect.
— qualitylufc (@glennlowe19) March 10, 2019
Great tweet boss, totally justified. You stand head and shoulders above their owner.
— El Perro Negro (@elperronegro1) March 10, 2019
— mark Flather (@markfla82) March 10, 2019
Andrea epitomises what been Leeds means! Top man. Very grateful to have you as our owner 👍🏻
— Gavin Dixon (@gavdixon01) March 10, 2019
RADZ handling business pic.twitter.com/pEDuOUpxav
— Jimmy_Lazers (@Jimmy_Lazers) March 10, 2019
The fallout isn’t universally ‘all Leeds’, there are many who aren’t fully in agreement with what Radrizzani tweeted. Here’s some of those responses.
Morale of the story. Don’t sit in the home end? You’re ridiculous
— Bristol City FC Supporters Page (@BCFC_Supporters) March 10, 2019
Agree totally with both your tweets – I’m Leeds & I with the greatest respect I wouldn’t want your fans or anyone else’s taking up our home tickets at the end of the day it’s the same for everyone – that why we have Home & Away sections at every ground
— Chops (@OfficialChops) March 10, 2019
Why is it always only Leeds that have a problem with this stuff. No other club has had a problem even when sold out yet Leeds are always the ones hard done by
— Myles (@bcfcmg) March 10, 2019
