Peter Lynch

Fri 19 May 2023 15:10, UK

Sam Allardyce has called for the police to “do a lot more” following the abuse that Leeds United striker Patrick Bamford has received.

Bamford was targeted with abusive messages and threats on social media after missing a penalty in the clash with Newcastle United on Saturday (13 May).

And his manager Allardyce wants much more to be done by authorities in order to prevent such abuse.

“He’s been okay – obviously extremely upset about the situation,” said Allardyce, as quoted by The Athletic. “It’s very, very bad taste indeed. I’d like the police to do a lot more.

“It appears that social media rule the world and can say and do what they want unfortunately. Which is why the world’s in such a big mess.

“He’s handled it pretty well. The club gave him as much support as he needed, particularly security-wise. It wasn’t just him, it was about his family.”

Really disappointing

It really is disappointing to hear that people are still targeting footballers and their families for things that happen on the pitch, particularly in this day and age.

There is obviously no room for such behaviour in sport and life in general, and it is definitely time for authorities to step in and do more to protect the people being targeted.

It is certainly difficult to catch and stop people online due to the nature of social media, so perhaps the platforms can also help out and take action by banning the culpable parties.

Bamford can definitely answer his critics by firing Leeds to safety in the coming weeks, but of course that is easier said than done, with the Whites having two tricky matches against West Ham and Tottenham to come.

The striker undoubtedly feels bad enough already having missed from the spot against the Magpies, but condemning him online really just makes matters worse for everyone.

In other Leeds United news, the Whites ​​have been name-checked as Jim White and Simon Jordan discuss the latest developments in relation to Everton’s financial fair play charge.