Crime recorded after incident in Leeds United victory over Burnley – report
Police are seeking the member of the Leeds United crowd who allegedly threw a bottle that hit Burnley’s Matthew Lowton, as reported by the Yorkshire Evening Post.
The incident is alleged to have occurred during the 3-1 victory on Sunday after Burnley’s Maxwel Cornet celebrated scoring a second-half equaliser in front of the home fans, although his teammate was fit to continue.
Referee Paul Tierney is also expected to have included the sequence in his match report meaning the FA is likely to investigate as well.
A spokesperson told the YEP: “A crime has been recorded and we are working with Leeds United Football Club to try and identify the person responsible.”
Unwelcome reputation
While Leeds are by no means alone when it comes to crowd members causing problems, a number of incidents involving United have gained attention this season.
Brentford’s Sergi Canos was struck by an object from the crowd in December and Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale has spoken about the amount of money in coins thrown at him by Leeds fans.
It is of course unacceptable for any fans to throw missiles at players, and the behaviour of other sides’ fans may be going under the radar simply because they did not succeed in hitting their targets, but repeated incidents may lead to an unwelcome reputation for the club’s fans.
Since their return to the Premier League in 2020, Leeds side have become relatively popular among neutrals under Marcelo Bielsa, but these instances, along with arrests for alleged racism against Arsenal in December and fighting before the season opener at Manchester United, risk spoiling that.
As with the continuing problems surrounding racial and online abuse of players, instances of physical confrontations between players and fans are a growing concern.
Rodri celebrating at Arsenal fans in Manchester City’s win last weekend was met with a barrage of items thrown from the stands, while multiple games in France have been abandoned in France this season due to supporters invading the pitch.
Authorities in England need to act to avoid events escalating to such a level.
In other Leeds United news, the club have further midfield targets following Fernandez arrival.