Rio Ferdinand has come in for incredibly strong criticism from Leeds United fans this month for some tone deaf (to say the least) social media footage, but has since praised the club and fanbase.
Leeds being back in the Premier League means that renewed rivalries with Manchester United can commence, and the Red Devils are the laughing stock of the footballing world right now.
Likely finishing 16th this season and losing the Europa League final to Tottenham, Man United’s misery brought a tongue-in-cheek comment from Harry Gray while Rio Ferdinand on commentary wasn’t immune to online digs.
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Rio Ferdinand in hot water with Leeds United fans for grim Galatasaray footage
Ferdinand’s affiliation with the Old Trafford club is enough for him to be hated by Leeds fans, but footage of him this month only fanned the flames further.
Seen in a barbershop watching Galatasaray win the Turkish league title, Ferdinand was filmed chanting the club’s name with joy.
(Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images)
It doesn’t need reiterating what happened in April 2000 when Chris Loftus and Kevin Speight never came home from Istanbul, but one would think that Ferdinand would know better than to get involved with such discussions, given he joined Leeds mere months after this all happened.
Leeds fans need no invitation to spark a pile-on for the pundit, but his tone deaf comments only cemented this sentiment from Elland Road fans.
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Rio Ferdinand makes attempt to appease Leeds United fans
The former Premier League centre-back has since spoken about Leeds following promotion back to the top flight.
He’s well aware that the Whites fans don’t like him, but had nothing but praise for the club and fanbase:
“The fans don’t remember me with great fondness as I moved to Manchester United, obviously big rivals. But I had a great time,” he said, speaking to Optus Sport.
“I always say it was one of the most enjoyable times in my career. We got to the semi finals (of the Champions League). It’s great to see them get back (in the Premier League). That’s where they belong, they deserve to be.
“Their fanbase is phenomenal, a one-club city. They could fill out that stadium two or three times over I’m sure, if it was any bigger. It’s a great environment and atmosphere when you’re down there.”
Rio Ferdinand isn’t welcome back at Leeds United or Elland Road
Given he’s an established television presence now, it’s likely that we’re going to be forced to see a lot of Ferdinand next season.
However, that footage was vile and he surely knows what he’s doing in singing about Galatasaray, and if he doesn’t know, he’s being painfully ignorant.
There’s no way someone with this much hatred being sparked by his name should be welcomed back at the club for any work in the coming months.
It’s obvious these comments won’t do anything to erase historically what he’s done to make this relationship completely destroyed.