Jim White hits back at what was said about Leeds United fans and Patrick Bamford
Danny Murphy and Jim White have clashed live on air over Patrick Bamford’s incident with Leeds United fans after missing a crucial penalty against Newcastle United last season.
Speaking on BBC’s My Mate’s a Footballer podcast, Bamford explained how he came home to fans waiting at his driveway, having failed to help Leeds’ safety in the division with an important penalty.
Murphy and White clashed over the seriousness of the situation, with the former suggesting that there was “no story” in the incident with a few fans.
“They didn’t say anything. They didn’t say anything; there’s no story. I don’t understand. He’s assuming that they’re disgruntled fans but they didn’t say anything,” Murphy said live via talkSPORT on Tuesday (14 February, 11:54am).
White replied: “It sounds pretty intimidating to me…”
Continuing in a sarcastic tone, Murphy said: “Oh, I’d be scared to death of someone sitting in front of my drive, by mistake possibly, and then not saying anything before driving off. Why is that scary? You don’t even know why they were there.”
Patrick Bamford felt threatened by Leeds United fans
On no level is Murphy’s comment on this scenario understandable. Following his miss in such an important situation, Bamford had the right to feel scared for himself and, especially, his family.
The 30-year-old has experienced plenty of abuse online over the years, with many fans piling on their negative opinions of the striker when he is not in form. However, the media is much easier to deal with, getting rid of social media with one click of a button.
A player should never be subjected to a visit from fans at home, especially from ones angry about a penalty miss in the football. There have been plenty of instances of violence connected to the sport, and although the fans may have not had that intention, the threat of it is very real.
Footballers are people too, which some fans tend to forget. They have families, homes, worries, and emotions, and need time and space to think about their mental wellbeing, just like the rest of us.
This type of situation is absolutely unacceptable, and it is a worry that Murphy is unable to see that.
In other Leeds United news, a Leeds loanee now has a high chance of a permanent move away.
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