WAYNE ROONEY led Derby’s guard of honour for Championship champs Leeds 18 months after the infamous ‘Spygate’ saga.
And as if that wasn’t bad enough for the 34-year-old, the Derby side he captains were defeated 3-1 by the table-toppers.
Derby captain and former Manchester United star won’t have been too happy serenading LeedsCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Derby, who were spied on by Leeds last season, were forced to give the champs a guard of honourCredit: Rex Features
Last season Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa sent a member of staff to Derby’s training ground in a covert operation.
It led to the Yorkshire club, who will be back playing in the Premier League after 16 seasons away, being fined £200,000 and given a formal reprimand.
The EFL launched their probe into the scandal after Bielsa had already admitted he spies on all his opponents.
EFL chiefs wrote to the Elland Road club “requesting their observations” after Derby officials spotted the Leeds representative with his binoculars out.
Leeds boss Bielsa held his hands up before the game, which his side won 2-0, and admitted he was responsible.
Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa admitted spying on opponentsCredit: PA:Press Association
Wayne Rooney was powerless to prevent Derby losingCredit: PA:Press Association
The Argentine appeared to think it was no big deal, despite the angry response of Derby chief Frank Lampard.
The Rams got the ultimate revenge, as they defeated Leeds over two legs in the play-offs.
They lost to Aston Villa 2-1 in the final however.
Today at Pride Park Rooney, who of course played for Leeds’ bitter rivals Manchester United, was forced to respect the champions’ achievement.
It was party time at the end of the 3-1 as Leeds celebrated winning the ChampionshipCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Chris Martin fired home from inside the area to give Derby a 55th-minute lead.
But Leeds hit back through Hernandez a minute later, shooting low into the bottom corner.
The Yorkshire side took the lead in the 75th minute through Jamie Shackleton, who buried his chance from inside the area for his first senior goal for the club.
And the three points were sealed when Derby’s Matthew Clarke diverted the ball past his own keeper following Alioski’s ball into the box.
Leeds were promoted in the week after West Brom fell to a shock 2-1 loss at Huddersfield.
Then on Saturday Brentford were similarly stung at Stoke to confirm Leeds as champions.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
