Leeds United have apologised after footage emerged of some players appearing to ignore supporters who waited for them at their hotel following defeat by Bournemouth.
A clip shared on social media showed players walking straight through the lobby after the 4-1 loss, despite supporters’ attempts to attract their attention. One young fan was seen repeatedly waving at Javi Gracia’s players but did not receive a response.
The scene prompted widespread criticism on social media, with some fans addressing chairman Andrea Radrizzani directly on Twitter and describing the reaction as “unacceptable”.
A Leeds statement on Monday apologised to the youngster who was “not shown more love from the squad,” and further apologised to all supporters for the club’s performance on Sunday.
The statement read: “As the first team squad at Leeds United, we wanted to reach out to the fanbase regarding yesterday’s game and subsequent posts on social media.
“Firstly, the performance was not good enough. There is no other way to look at it and the only way to respond is on the pitch. Leeds fans travel up and down the country in huge numbers and deserve more than this.
“What is just as concerning to us as a group, is the video online of us leaving the hotel. Words can’t express how sorry we are that the youngster in the video wearing the Leeds kit is not shown more love from the squad.
Leaving the hotel 😳#LUFCAway pic.twitter.com/TyL9D25F1r
— ian (@igrattan) April 30, 2023
“On a matchday we do an activation walk, before and after this we stop for photos and autographs to ensure we interact with fans, but that we are also on time when leaving for games.
“However, there is no excuse for not acknowledging fans and if the parents of the fan wearing the Leeds kit in the video could make themselves known to us, we would be grateful.
“We do not believe that this fight is over and we will keep going until the last ball is kicked this season. Thank you again for your support.”
GO DEEPER
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Arsenal came in for criticism last month after players appeared to ignore a young mascot.
The video showed the youngster holding out her shirt to be signed but Arsenal players — with many wearing earphones — were criticised for failing to engage with the fan.
The mascot’s father later defended her experience and Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta said: “They had the most amazing day. So you’ve just seen a fragment of a picture.”
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(Photo: Getty Images)