Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
John Richardson

Leeds' Ezgjan Alioski reported over 'racist' gesture towards Burnley's Dwight McNeil

Burnley have reported Leeds United’s Ezgjan Alioski over a gesture he made towards Turf Moor winger Dwight McNeil.

The Macedonian appeared to placed his hands behind his ears and mock the mixed race McNeil after the pair had come together in a 70th minute incident during the 4-0 victory for Leeds.

Fourth official Anthony Taylor made match referee Graham Scott aware of the flashpoint and he came over and brought both managers, Burnley ’s Sean Dyche and Leeds’ Marcelo Bielsa together for a lengthy discussion.

Afterwards Dyche confirmed that one of his players had made a complaint and wanted the incident investigated.

Ezgjan Alioski has been accused of directing a racist gesture at Dwight McNeil (BT Sport)

Said Dyche: “The complaint will be passed on to the FA. The player made the report. I was there and I have witnessed the report.”

Bielsa added: “I would prefer the referee makes this public. I apologise (for not fully answering the question).

Asked if he saw the incident Bielsa said: “If there was a gesture I didn’t see it. In front of me I saw a dispute (between the two players). I didn’t think it was too different to what happens in games.”

Dwight McNeil of Burnley was substituted shortly after the incident (Getty Images)

Immediately after the fall-out Dyche substituted McNeil who appeared distressed and took his time taking his place in the stand and complaining to the Burnley staff and officials.

Dyche explained: “I was going to take him off. He has done me well but this was the first time he looked really jaded.”

The incident has been reported by the referee (BT Sport)

The Clarets were thrashed 4-0 by Bielsa's men, for whom Rodrigo scored twice late on.

For Burnley boss Dyche it’s been a tough season but they can at least look forward to a sixth consecutive season in the Premier League.

He said: “They were more clinical. We didn’t have the cutting edge that we needed. It’s hard to ask anymore of my players.

"We had an emotional game against Fulham on Monday and it was a big result.

"I was expecting us to slide off more than we did really but physically we were still at it. They have had a great season and are on a good run of form.

"We have got 39 points and have earned the right to be in the Premier League again next season. We need to build on that for the future.”

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.