Leeds United have said “words can’t express how sorry we are” after some players were seen to ignore a young fan waiting to greet them in a hotel lobby.
Video shows some of the team with headphones in or checking their devices as they walk past a group of supporters after Sunday’s 4-1 loss to Bournemouth.
A young boy in Leeds kit waves cheerily but some players appear to file straight past him and other devoted followers.
The boy’s view is then blocked when a security guard stands directly in front of him.
A Leeds statement said fans “deserve more than this” after yet another big loss and also addressed the “concerning” video of fans being ignored.
“Words can’t express how sorry we are that the youngster in the video wearing the Leeds kit is not shown more love from the squad,” said Leeds.
“On a matchday we do an activation walk, before and after this we stop for photos and autographs to ensure we interact with fans, but that we are also on time when leaving for games.”
Leeds said there was “no excuse for not acknowledging fans” and asked the young boy’s parents to get in touch.
However, it appears not all of the Leeds team snubbed fans at the hotel.
A Twitter account – said to belong to one of the boy’s parents – posted pictures of some of the players stopping to acknowledge him.
“The manager said hello and tickled his chin. Jack Harrison had a laugh and signed an autograph. Luke Ayling fist pumped him. Adam Forshaw said hi,” said the tweet.
Some replied in the comments that it still didn’t change the fact that many of the team had ignored the fans.
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Leeds are currently fighting for survival, with the just a point above the relegation zone after four losses and one draw in their last five games.
The team’s statement said they would keep fighting to stay in the Premier League.
It said: “We do not believe that this fight is over and we will keep going until the last ball is kicked this season. Thank you again for your support.”