Sam Allardyce admits Patrick Bamford was unsurprisingly left 'extremely upset' after the Leeds United striker and his family were subject to vile online death threats. The Whites' interim boss called upon his number nine to deliver the perfect response to his critics and the social media trolls by delivering in the Sunday's crucial clash at West Ham.
Bamford saw his penalty saved by Nick Pope in the 2-2 draw with Newcastle United at Elland Road last time out. Leeds would have taken a two-goal lead had the spot kick been converted, and the 29-year-old was targeted by social media trolls in the aftermath.
The Whites released a statement the following day condeming the 'completely unacceptable' actions, and insisting the guilty 'fans' were not a part of the club. Asked about Bamford's mindset heading into the trip to the London Stadium, Allardyce confirmed the striker has received support from the club and stressed the 'best way' to respond was with a potentially decisive display against the Hammers.
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He told LeedsLive in his pre-match press conference: "It's been okay, obviously extremely upset about the situation. It's something which leaves a very, very bad taste indeed.
"I would like the police to do a lot more, but it appears when it's social media, they run the world and can say and do what they want unfortunately which is why the world is in such a big mess, isn't it? He's handled it pretty well, I think the club gave him as much support as he needed, particularly security-wise.
"It wasn't just about him, it was his family. The best way [to respond] is to go out on the pitch on Sunday, perform to his highest level, try and score and it would be even greater if he scored the winner. Hopefully it's not affected [him] and won't affect his performance."
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