DERBY COUNTY CREATES BRUTAL NEW CHANTS AGAINST LEEDS UNITED STAR THAT HAS IMMEDIATELY GONE VIRAL, HE HAS SPOKEN OUT

A fierce atmosphere at Pride Park has spilled over into a social media firestorm following Leeds United’s 3-1 FA Cup victory over Derby County. Reports have emerged that a section of the Derby support targeted Leeds star Wilfried Gnonto with a series of “brutal” and highly personal new chants, which have since gone viral across TikTok and X.
​The tension between the two clubs—rooted in the infamous “Spygate” scandal—reached a boiling point during the third-round clash on January 11, 2026. While Leeds fans taunted the home side with choruses of “We’ll spy when we want,” the Derby faithful reportedly responded with a targeted, rhythmic chant aimed at Gnonto’s previous transfer requests and his perceived “theatrical” playing style.
​The footage, captured from the South Stand, shows thousands of fans participating in the chant, which has been slammed by many as “crossing the line.” Gnonto, who scored a sensational 55th-minute equalizer to spark Leeds’ second-half comeback, was seen visibly frustrated by the constant barrage of noise whenever he touched the ball.
​The Italian international has since spoken out via an emotional post on his Instagram story. “Football is about passion and rivalry, and I love the noise of the stadium,” Gnonto wrote. “But when the chants become about family and things that have no place on a pitch, it is difficult. I play with my heart for Leeds, and today’s goal was for the fans who respect the game.”
​Pundits have been quick to weigh in on the viral clips. Former Leeds star Nigel Martyn noted that while “banter” is expected in such a heated rivalry, the specific nature of the Derby chants felt “unnecessarily personal” toward a young player.
​Despite the hostility, Daniel Farke’s side had the last laugh, with Ao Tanaka and James Justin adding goals to ensure the Premier League side progressed to the fourth round. However, the fallout from the “Pride Park chants” is expected to lead to an FA investigation, as the clip continues to rack up millions of views, further cementing this as one of the most toxic chapters in the modern Derby-Leeds rivalry.