Source: Telegraph
Leeds chairman Ken Bates hits out at 'basic' Carlisle
Bates launched his attack after his Elland Road club formally complained to the Football Association about the post-match pitch invasion that saw three Leeds players struck by marauding fans at Brunton Park. [LNB]Bates said: "The trouble is, of course, with these little clubs - and I use the word advisedly - is that their organisation is very basic. There were nearly 10,000 people there and they clearly didn't plan for it properly. [LNB] Related ArticlesLeeds: players were attacked on pitchCarlisle await FA response to pitch invasionCarlisle 2 Leeds 3 agg 4-4 (Carlisle win 6-5 on pens)Leeds United win hearts and mindsLeeds United 1 Tottenham Hotspur 3Grayson welcomes Keane move"That is a worry and I am sure the FA or the Football League will be looking into that matter because you can't skimp on security to save a few bob, particularly since it is being paid for out of the central pot anyway." [LNB]Leeds manager Simon Grayson also claimed goalkeeper Casper Ankergren was pelted with missiles amid suggestions a Carlisle fan shone a laser at his players in the penalty shoot-out the Cumbrians won to book a place in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy final against Southampton at Wembley next month. [LNB]"What worries me more is the story about these laser beams being shone in the players' eyes," Bates added. "That is very serious. Whether it affected the two guys that missed the penalties I do not know. [LNB]"But it is something the Football League will have to look at as a matter of urgency. The players should have complained and brought the referee's attention to it immediately for him to take some sort of decision." [LNB]The stewarding and policing that was criticised by Grayson have been defended by Cumbria Police. Chief Inspector Mark Pannone said: "We are disappointed by Mr Grayson's comments. The policing and the stewarding of the match was conducted in a restrained and professional manner. [LNB]"The job of the police is to support the stewards, to prevent disorder and respond to incidents as they occur, which is exactly what we did. As soon as the pitch invasion commenced we began working with the stewards to clear the pitch and protect the away fans." [LNB]
