Leeds United owner Andrea Radrizzani admitted the club’s relegation battle has “devastated” him and that he is “responsible for this mess” in a clear mid-match message to a fan.
Javi Gracia’s club went down 4-1 at Bournemouth on Sunday, leaving them just one point above the Premier League’s relegation zone.
Leeds fan Conor McGilligan shared screenshots that appeared to show a direct message exchange on Twitter with Radrizzani during the hugely demoralizing loss at Vitality Stadium.
McGilligan wrote ‘Cannot believe you’ve got this so wrong Andrea’ during the second half of Sunday’s game as Leeds were also embroiled in the relegation battle not long ago trailing opponents 3-1.
Radrizzani replied just a minute later, saying, “I’m heartbroken. I’m responsible for this shit. Unacceptable. You don’t deserve this. Ridiculous.’
Leeds United owner Andrea Radrizzani told a fan: ‘I’m devastated’ and ‘I’m responsible for this mess’ in an apparently mid-game Twitter exchange as they lost 4-1 at Bournemouth
Leeds are staring relegation in the face after they were thrashed at Vitality Stadium
Leeds fan Conor McGilligan tweeted a screengrab of his Twitter exchange with Radrizzni
McGilligan tweeted the private exchange a few minutes later, attaching a screen shot of this and previous exchanges with the Leeds CEO in response to those accusing him of faking the conversation.
Leeds are winless in their last five games, losing four in a dangerous descent from the table that could see them relegated to the Championship.
Radrizzani appointed Gracia in February following the sacking of Jesse Marsch and while the Spaniard has overseen victories over Southampton, Wolves and Nottingham Forest, has suffered humiliating losses against Crystal Palace, Liverpool and now Bournemouth.
They were bombed on the south coast, with Jefferson Lerma scoring twice in the space of four minutes midway through the first half.
Patrick Bamford replied, but further goals from Dominic Solanke and Antoine Semenyo saw them beaten again on another cathartic afternoon.
Gracia was confronted by angry fans afterwards with at least three supporters being stopped by stewards while goading him.
The Leeds players were also targeted by irate fans, who chanted ‘you’re not fit to wear the shirt’ at the full-time whistle.
Javi Gracia came in as coach in February but has been unable to turn Leeds’ season around
Jack Harrison looked dejected as Leeds lost again, leaving them a point above the drop zone
Sunday’s result left them in 16th place, just one point above the relegation zone
When asked if he still has the backing of the Leeds board, Gracia replied: ‘When I’m here…’
Of the supporters reaction, Gracia said: ‘We’ve talked about that in recent games. It’s hard for them, hard for us with the situation we live in.
“At the moment I think they would rather see their team play better and win games than listen to me.”
Leeds now face two daunting games against Manchester City and Newcastle in their battle to avoid relegation.
Meanwhile, a Leeds fan group has issued a vote of no confidence in both Gracia and the club hierarchy.
In a statement released on Sunday night, the club’s supporters’ advisory council called for Gracia to be replaced, along with those responsible for hiring managers and buying players over the past 14 months.
“Following the team’s result and performance today, the Leeds United Supporters Advisory Board (SAB) would like to record its lack of confidence in the club’s current management team,” the statement read.
Leeds traveling fans made their feelings known after the final whistle on Sunday
“The SAB has supported many decisions this year and will always work with the club to improve the way the club connects with its supporters and communities, so it is only right that we also review the current performance and the situation we are facing now. confront, discuss. of.
“Leeds United fans have and will always support our club through the ups and downs, but with four games to go this situation is no longer tenable.
Last season’s narrow escape from relegation should have been the catalyst for a season of growth, but this season has now turned into a humiliating disaster.
“The appointment of Jesse Marsch, a style of play so different from Marcelo Bielsa, the sacking of Marsch after the transfer window ended, the hiring of a fifth-choice manager, the purchase of a £35 million striker who has barely played. every minute in a relegation dogfight, the costly and embarrassing mistakes made in the Jean-Kevin Augustin case… far too many questionable decisions have been made and people need to be held accountable.
The players must also take responsibility for their poor performance and lack of professional pride since half-time against Crystal Palace.
“Donning that famous white shirt is something us fans can only dream of, but it seems that some of the squad are not fighting for this fight.
We are therefore calling for immediate changes in the first-team coach and in those responsible for recruiting the managers and players who have been signed over the past 14 months.
“The Supporters Advisory Board will meet with the club next week and hope they can comment on this statement before the meeting takes place.”