Leeds’ director of football Victor Orta has issued a formal apology after a heated full-time interaction with supporters in Elland Road’s West Stand on Saturday which has split the fanbase.
As he celebrated the Whites’ stunning 4-3 comeback against Bournemouth, Orta was caught on film appearing to shush fans, following this gesture up with repeated chants of ‘sack the board’ at the camera.
Such a response was undoubtedly prompted by the intense scrutiny that not only him, but fellow board members Angus Kinnear and Andrea Radrizzani, have faced in recent times – epitomised in a chastening 2-3 loss to Fulham when they had ‘sack the board’ sung at them by an increasingly dissatisfied set of fans.
It is unknown whether Orta experienced these chants directly on Saturday, but given the boos which echoed around the stadium when Bournemouth put themselves two goals ahead in the match’s 48th minute, it is possible.
Orta has since apologised to fans for his reaction in a statement given to the Yorkshire Evening Post on Sunday.
He said: “I would like to say sorry for my reaction after the game yesterday.
I don’t want to make excuses, but in the end I am human. The past few months have been very difficult for everyone at the club. I have been subjected to a lot of abuse in person, in writing and via phone calls, after my number was deliberately given out last month.
I love and respect Leeds United fans.
The atmosphere at Elland Road and across the country at every game is incomparable and has helped us to get over the line on many occasions, I thank the fan base for that. I will be sure to try to keep my emotions in check in future.”
Orta’s official response was, at least in part, prompted by the widespread criticism his behaviour faced when released online, including from Leeds United Supporters Trust who promised to file an official complaint with the club.
A minority of supporters have defended him, however, claiming that he is entitled to such a reaction after being forced to endure some horrible abuse from fans in the past. Considering this was directly referred to by Orta in his statement, he clearly shares this opinion, even if only partly.
Whilst Orta’s willingness to apologise for his behaviour is respectable, the fact remains that such a situation was entirely avoidable had Orta shown more self-control come full-time. Orta is a figure renowned amongst Leeds’ supporters for his intense displays of passion in the past, but it was just wholly unnecessary when displayed in this context. Despite his statement, Orta’s chant will only embolden his critics and, ultimately, tarnish an otherwise season-defining result for Leeds United.
