Leeds United apologises to Derby County over spy scandal

The spy scandal that has piqued the interest of British football has led to an apology from Leeds United to Derby County.

Marcelo Bielsa has been reminded of his responsibilities by Leeds United.

Marcelo Bielsa has been reminded of his responsibilities by Leeds United, and the club's owner Andrea Radrizzani has apologised to Derby County counterpart Mel Morris over the spying scandal.

Derby claimed on Friday that a man caught acting "suspiciously" near its training ground a day previously was a Leeds employee, an incident that will be investigated by the Football Association. Police confirmed a man was found and questioned at the perimeter fence of the complex, before being sent on his way with no arrest made.

Leeds boss Bielsa accepted in a pre-match interview before Friday's 2-0 win over the Rams that

he was personally responsible for sending a club employee but showed little remorse in a remarkable defence of his actions.

The Championship leader has now stated its intention to speak with Bielsa, who conceded he personally sent the man in question without notifying the club, regarding his remarks. A club statement read: "Following comments made by Marcelo Bielsa yesterday, the club will look to work with our head coach and his staff to remind them of the integrity and honesty which are the foundations that Leeds United is built on.

"Our owner Andrea Radrizzani has met with Derby County’s owner Mel Morris to formally apologise for Marcelo's actions. We will make no further comment on this matter."

The issue has received widespread condemnation, with former Newcastle United and Tottenham midfielder Jermaine Jenas — now a prominent pundit — calling for Leeds to be hit with a points deduction, while Sky Sports Football League analyst Keith Andrew labelled the incident "disgusting."