Leeds United are an '˜embarrassment' for failing to act on Cellino son slur, say fans

Leeds United Owner Massimo Cellino (left) alongside son and Director of Leeds United Edoardo

Director Edoardo Cellino, the son of club owner Massimo, has been charged by the Football Association for comments made to a Leeds fan on social media.

YP Comment: Leeds United owner’s son must be punished for insult to disabled

Edoardo Cellino became involved in an abusive row with a fan in a private message exchange on Facebook in which he labelled the supporter a “spastic”.

The charge includes an “aggravated breach” as his comments included a reference to disability.

This has enraged fans’ protest group ‘Time to go Massimo’, which points to the sacking of then assistant manager Steve Thompson in April.

Massimo Cellino claimed Thompson was dismissed after aiming an offensive comment towards then sporting director Nicola Salerno - an accusation Thompson strongly denied.

The ‘Time to go Massimo’ group is now accusing the Italian of double standards, having set a precedent to sack his own son.

It said: “Steve Thompson was suspended and his contract not renewed after allegedly... an almost identical offence. Steve Thompson vehemently denied this accusation, but was still punished by the club despite no proof of it occurring.

“There is irrefutable evidence, and Edoardo has admitted he has made the remarks; yet the club’s reaction is to not comment on the matter apart from asserting that Edoardo apologised to the person he abused, and that it will be left at that.

“We find this steadfast refusal to suspend the club director from his employment at the club frankly disgusting in light of how other members of staff have been treated, and an embarrassment that the owner’s son is allowed to abuse fans of the club unpunished.

“It seems it is one rule for anyone associated with the regime and one rule for everyone else.

“Once again the Cellino family has dragged the once great name of Leeds United through the gutter, bringing upon us shame and embarrassment - something which has sadly become a common occurrence under the toxic ownership of Massimo Cellino.”