Leeds sorry for ‘spying’ on rivals Derby
Leeds have apologised to Derby for spying on their training and will remind head coach Marcelo Bielsa of his responsibilities.
The build- up to Friday night’s 2- 0 home win over Derby was dominated by claims from the Rams that a man was caught outside their training ground on Thursday.
Derbyshire Police were forced to intervene and it transpired the individual was an employee of Leeds, who was watching a training session.
Bielsa spoke to Derby boss Frank Lampard over the phone to accept full responsibility and was open about the incident when speaking to the media at Elland Road on Friday evening.
The former Argentina and Chile coach insisted it was not his intention to gain an advantage in a lengthy explanation that saw him admit it is something he has done for a number of years.
On Saturday morning, Leeds issued a statement, which read: “Following comments made by Marcelo Bielsa, the club will look to work with our head coach and his staff to remind them of the integrity and honesty which are the foundations that Leeds is built on.
“Our owner Andrea Radrizzani has met with Derby County’s owner Mel Morr is to formally apologise for Marcelo’s actions. We will make no further comment on this matter.”
T he Fo o t b a l l Association is investigating but, following Friday night’s win, which saw his side move five points clear at the top of the table, Bielsa refused to rule out continuing to employ the same “spy” tactics.
“I’m not trying to justify anything,” he said. “I’ve just explained why I feel I’m not a person who cheats and why I accept any reaction this behaviour creates.
“I would accept any sanction the club takes against me and any sanction the federation takes against me, and also the judgement of Derby County.
“I won’t say that I won’t do it again. It’s a childish position to answer like that.”
While Lampard suggested the FA needed to take firm action, saying: “I believe there’s not an absolute clear-cut rule about it. But we can’t open the door to this thing happening every week. What kind of farce would that be?”