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Football

12th Jan 2019

Leeds United apologise to Derby County for Marcelo Bielsa’s actions

Leeds United have pledged to remind manager Marcelo Bielsa of the integrity and honesty which are the foundations that the club is built on

Reuben Pinder

Bielsa took full responsibility for his actions

Leeds United have pledged to remind manager Marcelo Bielsa of the integrity and honesty which are the foundations that the club is built on, after it emerged that he had sent a spy to Derby County’s training ground ahead of their clash on Friday night.

Bielsa took full responsibility for his actions, which were condemned strongly throughout the press as well as by Derby manager Frank Lampard.

In a statement published on the club website, Leeds said: “Following comments made by Marcelo Bielsa yesterday 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 United is built on.

“Our owner Andrea Radrizzani has met with Derby County’s owner Mel Morris to formally apologise for Marcelo’s actions.

“We will make no further comment on this matter.”

Bielsa’s controversial tactics were hammered by former Tottenham midfielder Jermaine Jenas, who suggested a point deduction as a punishment while speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live.

“If they didn’t get a points deduction I’d be surprised,” Jenas said. “How else do you lay down a marker making it clear that this kind of behaviour is not acceptable?

“Would a slap on the wrist be enough to make sure that Bielsa doesn’t do that?

“I’m more inclined to think that they will lean towards that first.”

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