Qudus Salihu# Scott Parker Brands Leeds United Fans ‘The Worst Ever’ After Shocking Turf Moor Incident
October 22, 2025
In the heated cauldron of Turf Moor, Burnley’s 2-0 Premier League victory over Leeds United on October 18 turned ugly off the pitch, prompting a fiery rant from Clarets boss Scott Parker. The former England international didn’t hold back, labelling Leeds supporters “the worst I’ve ever encountered” following a controversial second-half flashpoint that saw a Burnley player allegedly targeted by a thrown object from the away end.The match itself was a gritty affair, with Burnley extending their unbeaten home run against Leeds to three games. Goals from Nathan Redmond in the 22nd minute—a tap-in after sloppy Leeds defending—and Loum Tchaouna’s stunning 30-yard strike just before halftime sealed the points. Scott Parker’s side, fresh from promotion last season, climbed out of the relegation zone with their second win of the campaign, while Daniel Farke’s Whites slumped to a third straight blank against the Clarets.But the real drama unfolded in the 83rd minute. As substitute Hannibal Mejbri—on loan from Manchester United—celebrated a robust tackle on Leeds full-back Gabriel Gudmundsson, chaos erupted. Eyewitnesses reported a beer bottle sailing from the 3,000-strong Leeds contingent, striking the 21-year-old midfielder on the shoulder. Mejbri, already nursing a yellow card for his enthusiastic fist-pump, hit the deck in visible pain, drawing immediate concern from teammates and medics.Referee Tom Nield paused play for three minutes while stewards intervened, but no red cards were issued to fans, and the game resumed amid boos. Post-match, Lancashire Police confirmed they were investigating the “alleged missile incident,” with Leeds United cooperating fully after passing on footage. Burnley FC urged calm but backed their player’s account.Parker, speaking in his presser, was incandescent. “I’ve managed in front of some rowdy crowds, but Leeds fans today? The worst ever. Throwing bottles at a kid like that—it’s dangerous, it’s cowardly, and it tarnishes the game. Hannibal’s a fighter; he got up, but what if it was worse? We won’t be intimidated, but this crosses a line.” The 44-year-old, who ironically injured his knee celebrating Tchaouna’s goal earlier, added a wry note: “At least my limp was from joy, not glass.”Leeds issued a statement condemning “any antisocial behaviour” and vowing internal probes, but the damage was done. Farke, meanwhile, focused on the scoreline: “We lacked cutting edge, simple as that.” Social media exploded, with #LeedsBottle trending and divided opinions—some calling it isolated idiocy, others decrying Elland Road’s notorious reputation.As both clubs eye survival, this clash underscores football’s darker side. Parker’s words hang heavy: passion is one thing, peril another. Turf Moor’s heroes march on, but the scar from that bottle may linger longer than the goals.
Nafisa