Leeds release statement condemning abuse received by Karen Carney but refuse to apologise for controversial tweet
LEEDS UNITED have condemned the abuse Karen Carney has received on social media in the wake of their response to the Amazon Prime pundit’s comments about their promotion back to the Premier League.
Trolls targeted Carney on Tuesday night after the club’s’ official Twitter account questioned the former Arsenal and Chelsea Ladies star for suggesting the Yorkshire side’s promotion was in part down to the coronavirus pandemic.
Leeds’ social media team have been accused of inviting criticism on Carney, who made the comments during Amazon’s coverage of the club’s 5-0 win over West Brom.
Last season’s Championship winners have been appalled by the reaction to their tweet and insist the abuse Carney has received is completely unwarranted.
A club spokesperson said: “Leeds United completely condemns any abuse received by Karen Carney on social media following last night’s Premier League game with West Bromwich Albion.
“Everyone at our club respects Karen greatly for all she has achieved in the game, as well as her work in the media and the charity work she undertakes.”
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Carney’s comments came to the attention of Leeds fans after the club’s official Twitter account shared the footage with the caption: “Promoted because of Covid.
“Won the league by 10 points. Hi @primevideosport”.
Leeds have not apologised for the tweet itself, although chairman Andrea Radrizzani has defended the club’s actions.
In response to a tweet claiming the club took part in a ‘disgusting act’, the Italian said: “I take the responsibility of the Club tweet.”
He added: “I consider that comment completely unnecessary and disrespectful to our Club and particularly to the fantastic hard work of our players and coaches whom were understanding on the pitch for the last two championship seasons by all stats.”
Carney, who retired from football last July, has yet to publicly address the abuse she received.
Women in Football, however, have passed comment on the incident, condemning Leeds for their actions.
They said: “Whether you agree with the comment or not, singling out and ridiculing an individual on an official club account is not what we’re here for.
‘Karen Carney is a well-informed pundit. This tweet is inciteful & inappropriate. Not a good look now, or at any time.”
According to The Times, Leeds have reached out to Carney over the matter and have invited her to their training ground for a TV report ahead of their FA Cup third-round clash with Crawley Town next month.
Leeds will be back in action on Saturday afternoon, travelling to north London to take on Tottenham.