Leeds United - on this day: Frank Lampard hits out as Whites romp to victory amid 'Spygate' saga

The day...

January 11, 2019

The event...

Leeds United defeat Derby County 2-0 amidst the 'Spygate' saga

What happened?

Leeds United had been thrust to the front and centre of the footballing world once again in the days before their meeting with Derby County on January 11, 2019.

Marcelo Bielsa admitted ahead of kick-off that he was guilty of sending one of his coaching staff to oversee a Rams training session after accusations were levelled at Leeds ahead of the two sides meeting in the Championship.

Frank Lampard described the act as "unethical" while the Argentine explained his actions, which caused a media storm.

The incident divided opinion and caused debate among supporters and pundits, but on-field Leeds romped to victory and all three points.

Kemar Roofe and Jack Harrison struck in either half in LS11 with the Elland Road visitors extremely lucky to escape with just a 2-0 defeat.

"For me, it's not right," Lampard said post-match.

"I'm a big fan from afar of Bielsa, I've got his book at home in my front room, but that's slightly clouded it for me today.

"I've never heard of going to a training ground on your hands and knees with pliers trying to break into private land to watch.

"But I don't attribute our performance to it because that's on us."

Bielsa responded to his critics, saying: "I understand Frank Lampard is angry because he thinks I'm someone who is cheating. I understand he draws this conclusion.

"But I don't feel I cheated because my goal was not to get an illegal advantage.

"I can explain my behaviour but my intention is not to be understood or to justify it. I have to respect the norms in the country where I work."

As scrutiny over the issue rumbled on afterwards and attention increased, Bielsa held a press conference at the club's training ground to address the issue and explain his actions.

The Argentine revealed full details of analysis undertaken by his staff to the world's media in a 80 minute long briefing.

Leeds later received a £250,000 fine for the 'spying', which United's boss took full responsibility for and paid in full himself.