Referee’s chief Keith Hackett called for Leeds to face FA sanctions after the game with Tottenham Hotspur, and now the game’s governing body look likely to grant his wish.

There were two separate incidents of missile throwing during the match. First a bottle just missed the head of Mohammed Kudus as he unwisely carried out his Ghanaian chief/king celebration on a stool in front of the south stand, rather than making the short trip to do so in front of the Spurs section of the crowd.

Then Pedro Porro drew the referee’s attention to a vape that had been thrown at him from the cheese wedge as he prepared to take a corner, perhaps from someone who had got tired of Tottenham’s constant time wasting at set pieces. And he later took to Instagram to say “Didn’t feel like vaping today, fancied getting three points instead.”

All of which led to the head of the Professional Game Match Officials Board to call for Leeds to face the wrath of the FA for failing to control that certain element of our fanbase.” Keith Hackett was apparently talking exclusively to MOTD Leeds News when he said “Doing that puts the safety of the player and stewards at risk”.

“Leeds United, as a club, must take stronger action. Using the surveillance systems inside the stadium, they should search out the culprits and issue a lifetime ban. The Football Association must act and apply the appropriate sanctions.” And last night it seemed that his wish was granted, with reports that the FA have started an investigation.

Which could lead to the club facing a hefty fine, and will almost certainly lead to a lifetime ban for anyone identified via the extensive CCTV that we have around the stadium. After incidents of missile throwing in 2022 the club announced that “Any supporter caught throwing objects on to the pitch will be issued a lifetime ban from attending our fixtures.”

So somebody will soon be regretting getting carried away in the heat of the moment, and we’ll have to wait and see what the implications will be for our beloved club.

Reuters

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