Leeds promise to assist FA inquiry

Leeds have agreed to co-operate fully with the Football Association’s formal investigation into the fracas which erupted at the end of Saturday’s game with Middlesbrough at the Riverside.

As the two teams left the pitch at the end of a 2-2 draw, Middlesbrough midfielder George Boateng was seen to spit at the feet of Jonathan Woodgate and Nick Barmby, with the Dutchman claiming it was provoked by a racial slur from the latter.

His actions sparked a 12-man scuffle as players from both sides pushed and jostled one another, with Leeds duo Lucas Radebe and Eirik Bakke needing to be restrained.

It was a feud, though, which continued in the tunnel where Barmby alleges he was scratched across his face by Boateng.

The England international, sporting two gashes on his right cheek, was yesterday forced to go public in an attempt to clear his name, vehemently refuting Boateng’s allegation of racism and stating he had been left “devastated” by such an accusation.

Unsurprisingly, the FA have taken a dim view of such unsavoury incidents at the Riverside and have decided to launch an inquiry, taking into account the match officials’ reports, along with video evidence.

Match referee Rob Styles, however, has apparently stated nothing which followed after his final whistle has been included in his final report, although Boateng is almost certain to be charged anyway as television cameras caught him spitting, as well as manhandling an assistant referee in his attempt to confront Barmby.

FA officials will also be interviewing key individuals involved, with a Leeds spokesperson confirming the club will be doing everything possible to assist English football’s governing body in the coming few days.