BBC respond as Leeds United fans demand apology after what they did
The BBC has been compelled to issue an apology to Leeds United supporters after their Jimmy Savile documentary “refuelled victim chanting.”
According to reports, the broadcasters’ dramatisation of “damaging and inaccurate scenes” has prompted new chants at Elland Road, which could be extremely upsetting for abuse victims of any kind.
The Leeds United Supporters Network’s chair, Clive Miers, has been outspoken about the matter and has demanded an apology from the BBC for their actions.
A damaging representation
It makes sense that chants honouring Jimmy Savile might be hurtful to people who have been sexually abused, or abused in any other way. However, it is incredibly damaging to the team and the neighbourhood around it to portray one team as the beginning of it all and to present evidence that refutes the claims made by Leeds supporters.
It left a slightly acidic aftertaste, given Leeds supporters’ ongoing criticism of the BBC for their inclusion in the programme.
Although it is commonly known that Savile was a native of Leeds, the club’s image will only be further harmed by his continued affiliation with it.
The documentary’s goal might have been to show how early reports of Savile’s wrongdoings had been going around, but since the show’s premiere earlier this year, the number of chants that are causing “trauma, torment, and suffering” has skyrocketed.
In an otherwise promising season, the whole thing appears to have done more harm than good at Elland Road, generating a stigma around the team.
In a related development:
“One name to watch with Leeds” – Journalist now says Farke could target swoop for £15m striker
Leeds move for Ben Brereton Diaz now ‘one to watch’ amid surprise twist
Ben Brereton Diaz has struggled in his early Villarreal career; Leeds United may rekindle their interest in him.
Ben Brereton-Diaz may be enticed to Leeds United by Elland Road if Villarreal decides they are willing to let him go on loan.While the Chilean international was on Blackburn Rovers’ roster, the Whites made multiple attempts to sign him.Numerous Championship and Premier League teams have been placed on high alert following the revelation of Villarreal’s position.
Given that Ben Brereton Diaz’s Villareal career has not started as expected, Leeds United may make a move for the “long-standing target.” Journalist Ben Jacobs has informed that a January move to Elland Road is possible.
After the Whites were relegated from the Premier League on the penultimate day of the previous season, Daniel Farke was named their new manager. He immediately set his sights on returning the team to the top flight, spending over £30 million on reinforcements during the summer transfer window.
The German mastermind, who has previously won two Championship crowns as a result of his excellent tenure as Norwich City’s manager, will have another chance to bolster his team come January 1.
Brereton Diaz in line for winter move
According to TEAMtalk, Villarreal are open to loaning away Brereton Diaz for the second half of the season. This has caused several Premier League and Championship clubs to take notice as they conclude their January window preparations.
Only a few months after signing a four-year contract with the Yellow Submarine, the report suggests that Crystal Palace and Burnley are among the teams eager to give the Chilean international an opportunity to establish himself in the Premier League. Meanwhile, Leicester City, Southampton, and West Bromwich Albion are reportedly keeping an eye on his situation.
Brereton Diaz’s contract with Blackburn Rovers expired in the summer, and Villarreal was able to get him because Leeds, Newcastle United, Everton, and West Ham United declined to pay the £15 million transfer fee. However, things haven’t been easy in La Liga.
The 24-year-old, who thrived at Ewood Park and has an outstanding record in the Championship, was limited to only two domestic appearances this season and was unable to reach the back of the goal in his current surroundings going into the weekend.
| Ben Brereton Diaz’s Championship record | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Appearances | Goals | Assists | Yellow cards | Sent off |
| 2016/17 | 18 | 3 | 4 | 1 | 0 |
| 2017/18 | 35 | 5 | 3 | 6 | 0 |
| 2018/19 | 25 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 0 |
| 2019/20 | 15 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| 2020/21 | 40 | 7 | 5 | 2 | 0 |
| 2021/22 | 37 | 22 | 3 | 8 | 0 |
| 2022/23 | 43 | 14 | 4 | 5 | 0 |
| All statistics according to Transfermarkt | |||||
Brereton Diaz has long been admired by Leeds, who also thought about trying to entice him to Yorkshire during the 2022 summer transfer window. Given his success in the second division, Farke may push to finally complete a deal as he pursues promotion in his first season as manager.
Prior to last year, when the striker’s price tag proved to be a sticking point, former Whites chief Jesse Marsch was eager to reach an agreement for the player, according to transfer insider Dean Jones, who spoke with GIVEMESPORT.
Many people were surprised by Brereton Diaz’s problems while wearing a Villarreal shirt because he excelled at Blackburn, appearing on the scoreboard 47 times and recording an additional 16 goals.
Ben Jacobs update – Ben Brereton Diaz
Unexpectedly, Jacobs hasn’t ruled out Leeds rekindling their interest in Brereton Diaz, who has been on their radar for a while but hasn’t been able to replicate his best form since moving to Villarreal.
However, the reputable journalist is aware that the former Nottingham Forest player is eager to disprove his sceptics and finish the season at the Estadio de la Ceramica, so a mid-season transfer to Yorkshire seems improbable at this time.
Jacobs reported:
Ben Brereton Diaz is a name to keep an eye on with Leeds; he’s someone I never would have predicted to be mentioned in 2024, but it’s still a possibility. Although he was clearly transferred from Blackburn to Villarreal at the start of the current season, he has been a longtime target for Leeds.
“It hasn’t quite worked out at Villarreal so far, and he hasn’t scored for them even though he left Blackburn with almost 20 goals the season before and 16 goals in all competitions.
“He’s had a challenging stretch. By all accounts, he wants to stay until the midseason. Nevertheless, there may be a chance there if the season ends and it’s still not functioning.”
Leeds to remain resolute over Gray
Despite the fact that three Premier League clubs are showing interest in Archie Grey following his breakout season, Leeds are determined that the teenager will not be let to leave Elland Road next month, as reported by Football Insider.
The report claims that the Whites are trying to sign their academy graduate to a new contract because Liverpool, Everton, and Crystal Palace have been keeping an eye on him and considering whether to make an offer. The player has been heavily involved in Farke’s plans even though he started the season still waiting for his senior debut.
As he broke into Leeds’ first squad at the age of 19, credible reporter Jones recently stated that there was ‘inevitable’ conjecture over Gray’s future as Premier League scouts tried to ascertain whether he had what it takes to succeed in the top league.
Leeds has been given a boost in response to Everton’s compensation claims.
The central midfielder is expected to reach the final 18 months of his £1,000-per-week contract at the beginning of the year, which will offer his fans hope of swooping in. As a result, the Whites will be eager to secure fresh terms prior to the transfer window reopening for business.
Leeds is set to reject any bids, but it is claimed that Palace manager Roy Hodgson is eager to jump and make a move for Grey after he caught the eye with his performances during the early stages of the campaign.
