Andrea Radrizzani reacts on Twitter as Dorigo slams some Leeds fans

Leeds United fans have been particularly vocal on social media after a 1-0 defeat to Wigan on Saturday saw them surrender the top of the Championship. 

Striker Patrick Bamford has come in for the brunt of the abuse after missing a string of chances at Elland Road.

Former Leeds player Tony Dorigo sent a message out on Twitter on Sunday night, slamming the criticism of players – "the boys care immensely and will be hurting" and imploring fans to "put our dummies back in our mouths".

He also sent out a rallying cry ahead of the massive game against promotion rivals Nottingham Forest on Saturday saying, "We're second and calm is required. I'll be roaring the boys on at the City Ground – who's coming?"

Leeds owner Andrea Radrizzani reacted to the tweet with a GIF of people cheering and celebrating.

Leeds fans are always vocal but a lot of the criticism online has veered over into abuse recently.

Bamford has been getting the worst of it but even Marcelo Bielsa was getting caught in the crossfire this weekend from some fans after not putting Jean-Kevin Augustin on the bench for the game against Wigan.

That's a worrying sign from fans who have obviously forgotten where we are and how far we've come under Bielsa.

Fans are entitled to have their say but it should always be couched in terms of what's good for the club.

If any of the abuse has a negative effect on club or players, it's completely counter-productive.

As Dorigo pointed out, Leeds are second in the Championship and the team needs cheering on now more than ever.

We'll be at the City Ground roaring on Saturday and we hope that in the meantime the abuse stops online and is replaced by something more constructive.

Leeds have the best fans in the world – now is the time to prove it.

In other Leeds United news, Phil Hay: This is the issue Leeds have with Adam Forshaw