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Burnley Report Ezgjan Alioski Over Alleged Racist Gesture Towards Dwight McNeil

Burnley Report Ezgjan Alioski Over Alleged Racist Gesture Towards Dwight McNeil

Sean Dyche substituted Dwight McNeil off the pitch after the incident and it was reported to the FA.

Ryan Sidle

Ryan Sidle

Ezgjan Alioski was reported by Burnley, following Leeds United's win on Saturday afternoon, following an alleged racist incident with Dwight McNeil.

The incident took place in the 70th minute, during Leeds' 4-0 victory over Burnley, after Aioski and McNeil both challenged for the ball.

After the coming together the defender appeared to put his hands behind his ears and mock the Clarets' winger McNeil.

Fourth official Anthony Taylor spoke to referee Graham Scott immediately after the incident and Scott spoke to Marcelo Bielsa and Sean Dyche during a long chat about what had happened.

Speaking about the incident after the match, the Burnley boss revealed that they had reported the incident to the FA, "The complaint will be passed on to the FA. The player made the report. I was there and I have witnessed the report."

Alioski gestures at McNeil. Image: BT Sport
Alioski gestures at McNeil. Image: BT Sport

Dyche took the 21-year-old immediately following the gesture, with the former Manchester United academy player taking time to take his place in the stands after talking to club officials.

"I was going to take him off. He has done me well but this was the first time he looked really jaded," Dych explained.

On the incident, Leeds's boss Bielsa said, "I would prefer the referee makes this public. I apologise [for not fully answering the question].

"If there was a gesture I didn't see it," the Argentina said when asked if he saw what Alioski did, "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."

The referee speaks to Alioski and captain Luke Ayling during the game. Image: PA Images
The referee speaks to Alioski and captain Luke Ayling during the game. Image: PA Images

Mateusz Klich put the visitors ahead just before half time at Turf Moor and Bielsa's side stepped up a gear after the break.

Alioski shot from the edge of the area after 59 minutes was converted by Jack Harrison, before his incident with McNeil, and Rodrigo scored in the 77th and 79th minutes to wrap up the win.

Burnley confirmed their place in the Premier League next season by beating Fulham last Monday, and the manager revealed that win had something to do with Saturday's poor performance.

"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."

Featured Image Credit: BT Sport

Topics: Football, Premier League, Leeds United, Burnley