Leeds United: Phil Hay stunned as 'extraordinary' Patrick Bamford news emerges

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Published on:

08 Feb 2024, 4:03 am

Phil Hay has reacted to the "pretty extraordinary" and "concerning" news shared by Leeds United striker Patrick Bamford.

Speaking on BBC's My Mate's a Footballer podcast [8 February], Bamford said Leeds chiefs arranged security at his house amid a "diabolical" situation last season.

The 30-year-old was targeted both on social media - forcing him to close down his accounts - and at his property on the back of missing a penalty for Leeds in their Premier League draw at Newcastle United.

Reacting to Bamford's comments, The Athletic writer Hay posted on his personal Twitter account [8 February]: "This is pretty extraordinary, and concerning. Football as a whole has real anger issues."

Leeds United fans take it too far

It was already well known that fans aimed a lot of their fury at Bamford as the heat of the relegation scrap came to the fore.

However, it was not known quite how bad things got. To criticise a footballer over social media is one thing; to then turn up at his home is quite simply crossing the line.

Bamford also revealed that even his "little girl" were threatened by the unruly mob. Again, it goes without saying that nobody can be excused for that.

The striker has managed to turn around his Elland Road fortunes this term after a slow start, having scored four goals and assisted another in eight games for promotion-chasing Leeds.

Patrick Bamford was targeted by angry Leeds United fans last season, but he has managed to get his Elland Road career back on track

It must be said that this is only a very, very small minority of Leeds fans, but it casts a cloud over the fanbase as a whole.

This is a story that has been widely picked up in the media and only goes to further tarnish the reputation of supporters.

All we can hope for is that those involved quickly learned their lesson. As for Bamford, it is great to see him smiling again in a Leeds kit - long may it continue.

In other Leeds United news, a Sky Sports pundit has questioned Daniel Farke for something he did in the FA Cup win over Plymouth Argyle.

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Leeds United

Patrick Bamford

Phil Hay