By Craig Scott

2nd Jan, 2020 | 7:52pm

'I should know better' - Liam Cooper posts statement after Leeds ace is pulled up by FA

Leeds United captain Liam Cooper has apologised for his use of foul language in front of a ball boy in the defeat at Fulham last month.

Leeds lost 2-1 at Craven Cottage in a game that featured several questionable decisions by the referee.

Tempers clearly ran high in the match and Cooper was pulled up by the FA for his behaviour when trying to get the ball back quickly from a ball boy.

“The FA have brought it to my attention that during injury time in our game with Fulham in December I used some bad language in front of a ball boy,” Cooper said in a statement via his personal Twitter account on Thursday.

“I was trying to get the ball back for a throw in during the final moments of the game as we looked to equalise. That isn’t an excuse, I’m the captain of Leeds United – a role I take extremely seriously – and I should know better.

“I apologise to the ball boy in question and his family. I’ve sent some boots and a shirt with a written apology to him Fulham to pass on. Once again, sorry.”

That is how to apologise.

Although we all know that passions run high in matches, it is important for players to still remember their duties as role models and who they are talking to at times.

It was a ball boy. It wasn’t a grown-up in the crowd or an opposition player. It was probably a young lad who was having the time of his life by being a ball boy at the club he supports.

A lot of people will be against the FA for pulling Cooper up on this but in this day and age, it’s just something you cannot do any more and at least the Leeds defender’s apology comes across as genuine and heartfelt.

In other Leeds United news, this Premier League player on Leeds’ radar is prepared to move to a Championship club this month.