Leeds United manager Sam Allardyce has claimed he’s have liked the police to have done a “lot more” after one of his players – striker Patrick Bamford – was subjected to abuse on social media this week.
Comments ranged from general abuse to direct threats towards Bamford and his family after the 29-year-old had a penalty saved by Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope in a 2-2 draw with the Magpies last Saturday.
The West Yorkshire club released a statement condemning the abuse – a sentiment similarly expressed by Allardyce in his pre-match press conference today.
“He’s been okay – obviously extremely upset about the situation,” Allardyce said.
“It’s very, very bad taste indeed. I’d like the police to do a lot more.
“It appears that social media rule the world and can say and do what they want unfortunately. Which is why the world’s in such a big mess.”
He claimed that Bamford has handled the situation “pretty well”, and even urged his striker to use the abuse received as fuel to put in an impressive performance against West Ham on Sunday.
“He’s handled it pretty well. The club gave him as much support as he needed, particularly security wise. It wasn’t just him it was about his family.
“The best way is to go out on the pitch on Sunday, perform to his highest level, try and score and it would be even greater if he went and scored the winner.”
A victory at the weekend could see Leeds climb out of the Premier League relegation zone were Everton and Nottingham Forest to drop points – with anything short of a win throwing Leeds’ ambitions of staying up into serious jeopardy.
