Burnley's Dwight McNeil has been accused of spitting at Leeds United's Ezgjan Alioski before their ugly row - one that is being reported to the Football Association.
A flashpoint during Leeds' 4-0 win came when Alioski went to ground with 20 minutes left, McNeil bent over to say something to him - and Alioski responded with a gesture which provoked a reaction from both benches.
Referee Graham Scott called over managers Sean Dyche and Marcelo Bielsa, as well as both club captains, before continuing the game after a lengthy stoppage.
There is speculation that there is an alleged racial element to Burnley's complaint, although Dyche did not confirm post-match, saying only: "One of our players made the report and I was there to be a witness to the report, not the incident."
However some football fans on Twitter have accused NcNeil of spitting at Alioski as he lay on the turf.
McNeill spat on his head pic.twitter.com/wfYpwDp6OC
- Paul Leeds (@Paul_Leeds67) May 15, 2021
What's clear is that the Burnley winger approaches Alioski as the Leeds player is down on the pitch and leans down to shout something at him.
Any spittle, however, could well be just a result of a player yelling after 70 minutes of football rather than a deliberate attempt to spit at his opponent. Any liquid seems to land by Alioski rather than on him.
Hard to tell if this is spit or sweat. Either way, the player shouldn't be over the top of another player like that. https://t.co/kemKP9YJhJ
- Paul Webster (@warsawwhite) May 15, 2021
McNeil spits at him and shouts at him. Alioski does a tongue out hands on side of face gesture https://t.co/mtLjEYVrFv pic.twitter.com/KjyVszDtib
- Thomas Smith :yellow_heart::blue_heart: (@backpackeneur) May 15, 2021
You can actually see it land next to/on him. Disgusting behaviour. :rage:
- outermilan (@castledene33) May 15, 2021
There is something dripping down here, but looks more like drool as he shouting at Alioski rather than an intentional spit. pic.twitter.com/EUnvRLhmkk
- Johnboy (@_Johnboy_) May 15, 2021
I don't think he spits deliberately.
- Rob (@robpeat13) May 15, 2021
However it's another addition to what was clearly an ugly confrontation between the two players.
McNeil was substituted moments after the incident, although Dyche insisted post-match that this was purely a result of his efforts up to that point in the game and a football decision.
His opposite number Bielsa said he had not seen the reaction of his player. "I didn't see that there was an incident between the two," he said, per the Guardian.
"If there was a gesture I didn't see it. I saw there was a dispute but I didn't think it was too different to what usually happens within a game."
Topics: Premier League, Leeds United, Burnley
- 'Of Everton, Burnley And Leeds United, Leeds Are The More DESERVING To Stay Up'
- Ashley Barnes Thinks Referees Want Burnley Relegated Because They Play 'Ugly'
- The Limbs At Elland Road After Leeds Move Out Of Relegation Zone Were Incredible
- Burnley And Leeds Threatens To Bring Claim For Substantial Damages Against The Premier League And Everton
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
