SPYGATE transferred to Stamford Bridge as a prankster ‘secret agent’ celebrated the return of Premier League fans by trolling Leeds chief Marcelo Bielsa from the stands.
Bielsa sparked controversy two years ago after a Leeds insider was caught spying on Derby training, when the Rams were bossed by current Chelsea manager Frank Lampard.
‘Hidden’ in full green camouflage, this shady character had a special watching brief for Chelsea’s home Premier League clash with Leeds
This green fan really stood out in the crowd despite his undercover outfit, two years after Leeds chief Bielsa was at the centre of Spygate
Marcelo Bielsa apologised for spying on Frank Lampard’s Derby and saw his Leeds side push the Stamford Bridge legend’s Chelsea teamCredit: PA:Press Association
And on Saturday, with 2,000 spectators allowed back into top-flight games after coronavirus restrictions were eased, one ‘fan’ was spotted in full green ‘camouflage’ – watching on through special shaded binoculars.
Bielsa apologised for Leeds’ spying in 2018, saying such tactics were commonplace when he managed Argentina – but this time he was in the clear.
In fact, bookmaker Paddy Power confessed without the need for any interrogation.
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A spokesperson said: “Spygate has been rumbling on for almost two years, and we’ve been waiting almost as long as the Leeds fans have for Bielsa to meet Lampard once again.
“It wouldn’t be right to have this managerial match-up without someone spying on it – and our man on the ground has already confirmed that, after rumours of an abduction, he’s spotted Kepa Arrizabalaga on the Chelsea bench, unharmed.”
The Bridge spy had plenty to note down as Patrick Bamford’s early opener was cancelled out by Chelsea’s man-of-the-moment Olivier Giroud – a real Goldeneye in front of goal with five strikes in the past two games.
Kurt Zouma then brilliantly nodded the Blues ahead midway through the second period and sub Christian Pulisic clinched a 3-1 win in stoppage time that put the Blues back on top of the Prem.
Earlier, West Ham became the first Prem team to welcome back supporters – at home to Manchester United – as London is in Tier 2.
West Ham became the first Prem club to welcome back fans but Man Utd came from behind to move fourth with a 3-1 winCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Spectators were socially distanced on their return as West Ham and Man Utd put on a memorable clash at London StadiumCredit: AFP
But Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men made it five wins in six games with a 3-1 victory.
Paul Pogba, Mason Greenwood and Marcus Greenwood eventually overturned Tomas Soucek’s headed goal for the Hammers as the crowd looked on socially distanced but still in good voice.
But it’s hardly top secret that Lampard’s Chelsea are so far looking a better title shot than United.
The spy was soon unearthed as a prankster after a willing confession from bookies Paddy Power
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
