Gary Lineker says it is a sign of a good pundit when their opinions provoke reaction.
Leeds United shared Karen Carney's punditry on Amazon Prime after their 5-0 win over West Brom, with the former England international arguing that the suspension of football last season due to the coronavirus benefited Marcelo Bielsa's side due to their intense style of football.
It was a comment that attracted plenty of criticism from fans towards Carney, with the Whites having now been forced to condemn any sexist abuse she received.
Match of the Day host Lineker shared his thoughts on the matter on Twitter.
He said: "Pundits upset football clubs from time to time. Pundits upset football fans from time to time.
"Football clubs and their fans are very sensitive and extremely tribal.
"It’s part of the pundit's job to give opinions and it’s a sign of their effectiveness when clubs and fans pile on."
Whites owner Andrea Radrizzani had previously defended the club's decision to call out Carney's comments, arguing that it was disrespectful to the hard work put in to achieve promotion.
He tweeted: "I take the responsibility of the Club tweet.
"I consider that comment completely unnecessary and disrespectful to our Club and particularly to the fantastic hard work of our players and coaches whom were understanding on the pitch for the last two Championship seasons by all stats."
Yet the Whites have now issued a statement condemning any abuse Carney has received over the matter.
"Leeds United completely condemns any abuse received by Karen Carney on social media following last night’s Premier League game with West Bromwich Albion," a spokesperson said.
"Everyone at our club respects Karen greatly for all she has achieved in the game, as well as her work in the media and the charity work she undertakes."
