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Leeds Live
Sport
David Byrom

Leeds United star Patrick Bamford explains 'Z' celebration that angered Aston Villa fans

Patrick Bamford netted a superb hat-trick to give Leeds United a 3-0 victory over Aston Villa.

It was a fantastic performance from the 27-year-old to help end Villa's 100% Premier League record so far this season.

Alongside his goals, what got a lot of fans talking was his celebration after Leeds' second goal.

After netting, the striker held up a 'Z' sign with his hands towards the television cameras in a move that angered some Aston Villa fans on social media.

Birmingham Live report that, in West Midlands football, a Z sign is a reference to Birmingham City's notorious Zulu Warriors hooligan firm.

Big Six video

In 2018, former Villa defender Micah Richards landed himself in hot water after being asked to pull a Z sign on holiday for a picture, not realising he was asked to do so by a Birmingham fan.

Yet Bamford has revealed the actual reason for the celebration on social media - and it has nothing to do with the blossoming rivalry between Leeds and Villa.

Instead, the striker did it in support of Hylo Athletics, an eco-friendly sports brand that Bamford is an advocate of.

Hylo's logo is a lightning bolt, which was the sign Bamford was actually pulling.

Explaining the reason for his celebration on Instagram, Bamford revealed that it was his way of raising awareness for climate change.

He said: "This is the bolt. It's a symbol for planet, a force of nature and the centre of Hylo Athletics' mission using sport to inspire positive change for our earth.

"Sport, and particularly football in this country, has enormous power for good.

"Celebrating with the bolt is my way of standing up for our earth.

"Climate change is a threat to sport and if we don't act, it's going to get worse. I'm passionate about leaving our planet in a better place than we found it."

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