Friday night's big Championship clash between Derby County and Leeds United has been rocked with the news a 'spy' was escorted off Derby's training ground prior to the game.
Frank Lampard is reported to have stopped training on Thursday morning after it emerged a man in plain clothes was watching the session. Per the Telegraph, police were called and the man had binoculars, a change of clothes and pliers in his possession.
An investigation has been launched to determine whether the man was trying to garner information for Leeds or works for the club.
Officers have just attended the Training Ground for @dcfcofficial After a suspicious male was seen at the perimeter fence. Excellent searching conducted & male was located. All checks above board!
Keeping the team safe to bring home a win against #LUFC on 11th! #SpyingIsCheating pic.twitter.com/a12Zj8gISX— Derby Response Unit - Derbyshire Constabulary (@DerbyResponse) January 10, 2019
Officers conducted routine checks which were all above board. Despite media reports, no damage to the fence was found, and the man was stopped outside the grounds. No arrests were made and the man was sent on his way. (2/2)
— Derbyshire Police (@DerbysPolice) January 11, 2019
Derby released a statement alleging that it has been confirmed to them that the individual was employed by Leeds.
Derby County Football Club can confirm that officers from the Derbyshire Constabulary were called to the Derby County Training Centre at around 11:20am on Thursday 10th January 2019 following reports of a man acting suspiciously outside the premises.
It has since been confirmed to Derby County that the individual concerned is an employee of the footballing staff at Leeds United Football Club.
The club is now in discussion with Leeds United club officials in relation to this incident.
Derby are currently in sixth position, while Leeds are league leaders just eight points ahead. The tie takes place at Elland Road with kick-off set for 7.45pm, live on Sky Sports Football.
