A section of Leeds United fans have taken to Twitter to react with delight at Marcelo Bielsa’s witty response to savage criticism from Neil Harris.
The Millwall manager was furious with the reactions of some of Leeds United’s backroom staff to their late equaliser in Saturday’s 1-1 draw and told London News it was “completely over the top and a disgrace in English football”.
Bielsa refused to be drawn too much on Harris’ comments although he pointed out that his nationality was irrelevant to the conduct of the Leeds staff and observers had to look at why they celebrated as they did.
“If the river has too much water in it, you have to consider why,” the Argentine said at his media briefing early on Monday afternoon, as quoted by the personal Twitter account of Yorkshire Evening Post correspondent Phil Hay.
Bielsa not wanting to be drawn on Neil Harris' comments. Did say that behaviour doesn't relate to whether you are foreign or not. "If the river has too much water in it, you have to consider the reasons why." In other words, you have to look at why Leeds celebrated as they did.
— Phil Hay (@PhilHay_) September 17, 2018
Many Leeds supporters appreciated the dry humour of their manager.
This Is Futbol has rounded up some of the best tweets below.
COMMENTARY:
Harris’ put-down was prehistoric and xenephobic. What exactly did the nationalities of Argentine Bielsa and his mainly Spanish-speaking backroom team have to do with their celebration. The outpouring of joy from the United bench was partly a consequence of the last-gasp equaliser, and also due to strained relations with Harris and company, who had refused to hand over the ball minutes before the goal in classic gamesmanship. Bielsa was right not to get too drawn into it, and make more of the classic storm in a teacup than is necessary. He apologised publicly to Harris after the match on Saturday, and was pictured having a cordial post-match chat with his opposite number. Sure, Bielsa and his staff did not behave like angels, but such events are best dealt with 48 hours later, as the manager did today, quickly and with a hint of wit and humour. Then, move on.
https://twitter.com/PhilHayOFish2/status/1041660540509188096
— Simon O'Rourke (@simon_orourke) September 17, 2018
— kane (@earnshawkane) September 17, 2018
This man would easily make a decent philosopher
— Admiral Nelson (@admiralnelso) September 17, 2018
https://twitter.com/barrydougIas/status/1041658693044068352
https://twitter.com/RMH1995/status/1041660927014256640
He’s a class act! ???
— Adam (@spraddles69) September 17, 2018
That is beautiful.
— Abu (@truecolours50) September 17, 2018