OPINION
The huge Championship clash between Leeds and Derby County has been overshadowed by a sensational allegation of spying.
In a statement released by Derby on Friday lunchtime, the club has said that “officers from the Derbyshire Constabulary were called to the Derby County Training Centre at around 11:20am on Thursday 10th January 2019 following reports of a man acting suspiciously outside the premises.
“It has since been confirmed to Derby County that the individual concerned is an employee of the footballing staff at Leeds United Football Club.
“The club is now in discussion with Leeds United club officials in relation to this incident.”
This is becoming a major news that’s been picked up and commented on by all the big football writers, including John Percy from the Telegraph, Kristof Terreur and John Cross from the Mirror.
Leeds haven’t released a comment yet but we imagine that they will do soon, with Derby said to be in contact.
Both Leeds and Derby fans are finding the whole thing hilarious, though, and it definitely adds another layer of intrigue ahead of the match.
A police statement said that no damage to the fence had been done and the man was spoken to and sent on his way.
It’s a very British affair.
You can read the statement from Derby below, along with the best Twitter reactions from both sets of fans:
Club Statement.
? https://t.co/Lz23UJnzQJ pic.twitter.com/lADjJeQaD7
— Derby County (@dcfcofficial) January 11, 2019
https://twitter.com/media_leeds/status/1083709015681585152
— Nathan Jordan (@NathanJordan85) January 11, 2019
— George Whittaker ? (@Georgewhittt) January 11, 2019
Nothing to see here, the lad was clearly on his way to visit Salisbury Cathedral with its massive spire. No spying or conspiracy to see lads #lufc
— JMT (@jonnytaylor12) January 11, 2019
I honestly thought this was a joke. WTF is going on. pic.twitter.com/dSDFbVIlyo
— Paul Davo Davies (@Davo33_DCFC) January 11, 2019
"We're Leeds United, we'll spy when we want"
— Matthew ?? (@sumeriansauce) January 11, 2019
Lost derby area..
If found please return to elland road.
Much appreciated . A spy. pic.twitter.com/tsjM7bU6tl— ESSJAY (@SteveJ4530) January 11, 2019
Soooooo thats a forfeit right? Alright solid 3-0 win bois ????
— Envy MidgetMatty (@MidgetMatty98) January 11, 2019
https://twitter.com/harryhgholmes/status/1083705512091373569
? only Leeds United #LUFC #MOT
— ???? ??????? (@DaveyMedz) January 11, 2019
— Mickey XX ??????? (@mjc916ss) January 11, 2019
only we could do this hahahaha
— Santi ???? (@SantiNavfutbol) January 11, 2019
— Ed O'Brien (@_ed19) January 11, 2019