Arsenal legend Martin Keown has criticised Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa, insisting he ‘should be not applauded’ for spying on his opponents’ training sessions.
Having admitted to sending a scout to watch Derby County train ahead of their Championship clash last Friday, Bielsa has now revealed Leeds have watched ALL of their rivals’ training sessions this season.
In a quite incredible impromptu press conference on Wednesday, the Argentine boss lifted the lid on his and his staff’s painstaking research and analysis on every Championship side.
That had many fans turn from outrage to admiration for the boss.
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However, former defender Keown believes spying on other teams is morally wrong and suggests rules should be rewritten to ensure the ‘scandal’ does not happen again.
Speaking on Thursday’s Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast, the Arsenal legend said: “It seems like he wants a pat on the back for being honest about his dishonesty!
“I think it’s a scandal.
“To employ somebody to spy on the opposition, I think it’s cheating, it’s low and I lose respect for people.
“We all want to win, of course we do, but not at all costs.
“As a manager, you prepare your team and you pit your wits against your opposite manager.
“To delve in to find that information, I think it’s despicable. I don’t get why he feels that he needs to do that.
“To come out yesterday with all that information, saying ‘this is my professionalism’, no, it’s dishonest.
“It can’t be applauded.
“There’s no rule against it, but there might be in the future.
“I haven’t actually heard him say he’s not going to do it again!
“Leeds have steamrollered their way to the top of the table – the other teams are playing against an opponent who knows every move you’re going to make.
“There’s a distinct advantage and a disadvantage for the opposing team and manager.
“He might say he’s being professional, but he’s actually taking it far too far.
“Morally, it’s outrageous.
“There has to be an honesty and a fairness to the game.”