Ban the ‘vile animals’
Wednesday boss blows his top after attack on goalkeeper
LONDON: Dave Jones on Friday demanded Leeds fans should be banned from every away ground.
The Sheffield Wednesday boss was raging after a thug ran on to the pitch and floored goalkeeper Chris Kirkland in a Championship match.
Jones branded the Leeds fans “vile animals” and Elland Road boss Neil Warnock labelled the supporter a “moron”.
Former England stopper Kirkland was smashed in the face by the smirking hooligan as football was plunged to a new low during the 1-1 draw at Hillsborough.
Jones tore into the visiting fans, saying: “They are vile animals, all of them. They should be banned from every away ground now.”
The incident occurred after Michael Tonge’s 77th-minute strike had cancelled out a 44thminute opener from Wednesday’s Jay Bothroyd.
As Kirkland kicked the ball upfield he was confronted by the yob, who knocked him flying with a two-handed lunge at his face. It left Kirkland needing treatment for several minutes.
Angry Jones also slammed Warnock for applauding the travelling fans at the final whistle.
Jones said: “You talk about racism in the game but they were chanting things as well.
“I’ve had it for 12 years and it is just upsetting that they are able to do it.
“But to then go and wave at them. Not in my book. I’ve had a go at Neil about it.”
Kirkland also felt Warnock had stirred up the crowd – storming into the Leeds dressing room after the match to confront him.
Warnock admitted: “I felt embarrassed to be a manager when I saw the incident. I thought it was an absolute disgrace.
“I think they should get the guy, prosecute him and put him in prison. I am not proud of being Leeds manager when I see that.
“Dave was saying we shouldn’t thank them but our crowd were fantastic. But we’ve got one moron and I can’t tolerate that.”
A Leeds statement said: “Leeds United would like to publicly apologise and condemn the action of the fan who came on the pitch. The club will fully co-operate with the authorities in identifying the individual concerned.”
Kirkland’s ordeal came just three days after England Under-21 players endured racist taunts from Serbia fans. — The Sun, London