Football news - Leeds issues statement after Bielsa 'spying' drama

Ahead of a Sky Bet Championship clash between Leeds and Derby County on Friday night, the Rams claimed that a man who was escorted from the perimeter of their training ground on Thursday after “acting suspiciously” was, in fact, a Leeds employee.

Bielsa, who has guided Leeds to the top of the Championship, later took responsibility for planning the act, leading to widespread criticism of the club.

In a statement issued on Saturday, following Leeds' 2-0 victory over Derby, the club 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."

The club added that no further comment would be made on the matter.