‘Integrity’ talk promised over Utd spy claims

LEEDS UNITED’S boss has promised to speak to head coach Marcelo Bielsa about standards of “integrity and honesty”, after making a formal apology to Derby County in the wake of the spying saga that dominated Friday night’s game at Elland Road.

United chairman Andrea Radrizzani apologised in face-toface discussions with Derby owner Mel Morris after it emerged that a man stopped by police outside Derby’s training ground on Thursday was a member of Bielsa’s staff.

Derby accused Leeds of attempting to spy on a training session held by manager Frank Lampard 24 hours before the game on Friday, and Bielsa admitted at the end of Leeds’ 2-0 win over the Rams that he personally authorised the scouting trip.

But he said he had employed the practice of covert scouting in other countries without complaint. The Football Association is investigating the incident. Meanwhile, United said it would hold talks with Bielsa and his backroom team in the coming days to discuss the controversy.