The noise from the Leeds fans at the end of Saturday’s match against Arsenal at Elland Road had to be heard to be believed.
They sang and chanted non-stop as if they had just smashed the opposition 4-1 rather than the other way round.
After managing just three league wins from 18 games, any other manager would be feeling the heat from the fans, but instead the Elland Road faithful made a point of repeatedly chanting Marcelo Bielsa’s name in a public show of rock-solid support.
It is hard to find a more passionate, dedicated and loyal set of fans than Leeds supporters and many teams would love backing as vocal as this.
Yet there is a small minority of fans who have repeatedly tarnished theirs and the club’s reputation.
The allegation of racism made by a supporter towards an Arsenal player is just the latest in a series of unsavoury incidents.
West Yorkshire Police have made an arrest and the FA have launched an investigation.
The probe is the second made by the FA and they are looking into claims Leeds fans threw at least one plastic bottle at Brentford’s Sergi Canos and Bryan Mbeumo as they celebrated scoring at Elland Road earlier this month.
Leeds also had to apologise when some supporters directed homophobic abuse at Crystal Palace’s on-loan England and Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher three weeks ago.
The vast majority of Leeds fans would condemn this behaviour and it is high time they rooted out such unacceptable behaviour from their midst.
Just as Leeds fans need to get a grip, so does the club as a whole and from the outside it appears that discipline is breaking down.
Leeds have the worst disciplinary record in the Premier League and Junior Firpo missed Saturday’s drubbing by Arsenal because he had collected five bookings, including four in his last five appearances.
When Leeds were missing nine players through injury and coronavirus, Firpo’s needless suspension was the last thing they needed.
Leeds have also been charged by the FA with failing to control their players for their involvement in a melee with Chelsea after the final whistle of their recent defeat at Stamford Bridge.
Chuck in director of football Victor Orta having a furious row with a fan during the Brentford game, and Leeds look like a club out of control.
Relegation battles are not won when elements within the club are fighting each other and Leeds must pull together.
It is time for everyone at Leeds, from chairman Andrea Radrizzani and Bielsa down, to show leadership.
