There were shocking scenes at last night’s Yorkshire derby as Sheffield Wednesday’s goalkeeper Chris Kirkland was attacked by a Leeds fan. The Daily Shift’s Joel Slattery reports…
The shocking incident where a Leeds fan attacked Sheffield Wednesday goalie Chris Kirkland
Sheffield Wednesday manager Dave Jones has called for Leeds United supporters to be banned from all away matches after goalkeeper Chris Kirkland was attacked by a fan in last nights game at Hillsborough.
The shocking attack occurred in the second half of last night’s 1-1 draw in the English Championship fixture. There had been tensions all night as both sets of supporters exchanged offensive chanting from the outset of the game. Worryingly, the man who attacked Kirkland got back into the stand where he was greeted by cheers and a pat on the back in the away end. An emotional Dave Jones told Sky Sports after the game that the Leeds supporters were “vile animals”.
When the Sky reporter asked if he saw it as an isolated incident, Jones replied: “It wasn’t one chanting… they [the Leeds fans] should be banned from every away ground now.”
He also criticised Leeds manager Neil Warnock for applauding the Leeds supporters after the game.
Warnock himself told Sky after the game that he was “embarrassed” to be the managing Leeds United. He also pleaded with the authorities to “put him [the attacker] in jail” describing him as a “moron”.
The incident, needless to say, overshadowed a thoroughly enjoyable Yorkshire derby. It was a game where two former Premier League players got on the score sheet with Jay Bothroyd scoring for the hosts before a Michael Tonge equaliser. It was in the aftermath of the second goal that the incident occurred.
Adding to the embarrassment of Leeds United, shocking images of their fans openly mocking Kirkland as he lay on the ground with medical attention were broadcast on live TV.
The Football Association today issued a statement condemning the attack and stated that they will take action on receiving the referee’s report.
So no comments then on the Wednesday fans, throwing stuff at the Leeds fans, spitting at female fans, singing songs about the deaths in Turkey?
No update neither that Dave Jones has since retracted his statement regarding all Leeds fans?