Leeds United striker Patrick Bamford rounds on 'mindless idiots' after social media exchange on race

The 26-year-old posted screengrabs of an exchange of private messages with a Leeds fan who apparently took issue with Bamford's tweets on race and white privilege.

Bamford, who recently responded to a tweet about white supremacy by author Dwayne Reed with the words 'time for change,' was told in a message: "Sick to death of hearing about it. Footballers shouldn't get involved on social media regarding such things." The supporter in question also dubbed Bamford a 'far left liberal' and accused him of forcing his opinion on people.

The forward, however, believes football has given him a profile that he can use to raise awareness on important issues.

He responded: "We have a platform to try help force change and educate people. The fact you are happy ignoring it and getting on with your life says a lot about you. People like you are part of the problem.

"Well no, I'm not far left or anything close to interested in politics. I just think that if people like you were to open your mind and consider the struggles others go through then it would help solve the problem. Imagine you were constantly picked on because of a trait/characteristic you didn't choose. I'm sure then you'd have a problem with it."

The fan then ended the discussion, replying: "Ok let's leave it there. Just get us promoted. ALAW [All Leeds aren't we]."

Bamford's tweet, with the screengrabs attached, read: "Mindless idiots like this are the people who need educating the most happy to ignore it as long as it doesn’t affect him. I wonder how he would act if the shoe were on the other foot."

It has been liked over 5,000 times.

The club's former academy welfare officer Lucy Ward replied: "Making empathy great again."