Arsenal legend Martin Keown believes Leeds United head coach Marcelo Bielsa breached the moral code of conduct for sportsmanship after the Argentine boss admitted having sent someone to spy on Derby County's training.
Leeds emerged 2-0 winners against the Rams on Friday to keep their place at the top of the table, but the win was overshadowed by news of the spy.
Andrea Radrizzani, Leeds’ owner, personally met Derby owner Mel Morris and apologised for Bielsa’s actions, while the Argentine has been criticised for unsportsmanlike behaviour.
The situation did affect Derby’s preparations for the game, as Frank Lampard had to stop training when the spy was spotted, and Keown feels the action was avoidable and violates the moral code of conduct for sport.
“I’m not happy about it, of course”, Keown said on BBC Sport.
“The moral code of conduct for sport I think has been severely breached here.
“It’s almost a Johnny English moment isn’t it with bolt cutters, binoculars, and a ladder.
"We’re 27 games into the season here in the Championship. What is it that Bielsa doesn’t know already about Derby County?
“Why does he need to have a spy there?
"For me, it’s ridiculous.
"It’s overstepping the mark.”
Leeds stretched their lead at the summit of the table to four points as Norwich City dropped points in their game.
The win against Derby ended Leeds’ three-game losing streak in all competitions and the Whites will look to make it two wins in as many games when they take on Stoke City next weekend.
