TalkSPORT host Adrian Durham believes that the EFL’s latest statement on the Leeds United ‘spygate’ scandal amounts to a ‘conspiracy’.
The governing body gave a press release on Friday evening stating that “there remain a number of areas that require further exploration and clarification and these investigations will take place at the earliest opportunity.”
They added: “An update on this matter will be provided following receipt and analysis of those subsequent enquiries and until this point no further comment will be made.”
Speaking on talkSPORT shortly after the statement, Durham said: “I’m looking at it thinking ‘hang on a minute, why would you do that on the eve of massive game that Leeds have got tomorrow when they take on Middlesbrough?’.
“I think this is all designed, the whole thing, to disrupt Leeds United. It’s designed to disrupt Bielsa. If this was Frank Lampard in Bielsa’s position would the EFL take this long?
“It’s a conspiracy to muck up Leeds chances of getting promotion.”
“It’s a conspiracy to muck up Leeds United’s chances of promotion.” ?
“Why would you do this on the eve of a massive game? It disrupts Leeds.”@talkSPORTDrive on the EFL and their handling of #LUFC #SpyGate row ? pic.twitter.com/gRDe2ALd5m
— talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) February 8, 2019
OPINION
Durham’s words are harsh, and there’s no reason to suggest that the EFL would have any reason to be plotting against Leeds United, but you do have to admit that the timing of the statement is at best thoughtless, and at worst, suspicious. Following Bielsa’s unbelievably revealing press conference in the aftermath of the incident, you have to wonder what else there could possibly be for the governing body to investigate, and why it has taken so long to get to a point where any punishment is given out. Not that we’re there yet. Ultimately, the statement says nothing, and will do very little but set minds racing at Elland Road as to what the Football League are cooking up for them. This kind of action is unprofessional, and Leeds’ players wouldn’t be human if they didn’t let it get to them, even just a little. If they lose to Boro tomorrow, there will be uproar.