January 13 – In a case dubbed ‘spygate’ by the British media, Leeds United have reminded head coach Marcelo Bielsa (pictured) about “integrity and honesty” after the Argentine admitted sending one of his coaching staff to spy on Derby County ahead of their high-profile Championship match last Friday.
“It’s true there was someone from Leeds United. I am responsible for this incident,” the ex-Argentina manager admitted before the game which Leeds won 2-0, extending their lead at the top of the table to five points.
“I am the only (one) responsible for it because I didn’t ask for the permission of Leeds United to do that.”
Derby said earlier that local police had spoken to a person acting suspiciously outside their training ground on Thursday.
The club’s Italian owner Andrea Radrizzani has met with his Derby counterpart Mel Morris to apologise for Bielsa’s actions.
The FA is investigating the incident, while a Football League spokesman said: “It is, of course, up to Derby County as to how they progress this matter, but as of yet we have received no complaint or contact from the club.”
On Friday Bielsa said: “I understand (Derby manager) Frank Lampard is angry because he thinks I’m someone who is cheating. I understand he draws this conclusion. But I don’t feel I cheated because my goal was not to get an illegal advantage.
“I can explain my behaviour but my intention is not to be understood or to justify it. I have to respect the norms in the country where I work.”
Lampard, a former Chelsea and England midfielder, said the situation was “not right” and had to be dealt with.
“I’ve never heard of going to a training ground on your hands and knees with pliers trying to break into private land to watch,” Lampard told the BBC. “But I don’t attribute our performance (in the defeat at Leeds on Friday) to it, because that’s on us.”
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