Leeds United midfielder Mateusz Klich has responded to criticism after his team's draw with Southampton by telling one Whites supporter to "f*** off".
Jesse Marsch 's side were going for a third win on the bounce, and took the lead in the first half through Jack Harrison. However, James Ward-Prowse levelled things up with a free-kick, and neither side was able to find a winner.
Poland international Klich, whose country sealed their World Cup place this week, was withdrawn midway through the second period, with England midfielder Kalvin Phillips replacing him for his first appearance of 2022. However, after bearing the brunt of criticism from at least one angry fan, the 31-year-old was in no mood to sit back and take the abuse.
Addressing Klich directly on social media, a fan with the display name 'Bob' said "stop giving the f**in ball away FFS and stupid free kicks around the box it's kids stuff FFS". In response, the Leeds man simply replied "f*** off. Bob".
The account in question deactivated shortly after the response, while other supporters backed the Leeds midfielder. "Mad how that is what he took away from that game," said one fan, saying "Fair play to you for calling him out".
"Klich's been superb for months now," another said. "Was dragging that team along (with a few others) towards the end of the Bielsa reign."
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The point against Southampton lifted Leeds eight points clear of the relegation zone. Eighteenth-place Watford have a game in hand on Marsch's side, and the two teams will meet at Vicarage Road next weekend.
"I'd say it was an intensive game with a lot of second balls and duels and one that we should've won," the Leeds manager told media after the game. "I feel like the clarity of tactically what we want the game to look like, I thought we were balanced in the match didn't give much away."
As for the returning Phillips, Marsch was pleased with what he saw from the England international. The 26-year-old had been out with a hamstring problem, with his last start coming back on December 5.
"It was more than a cameo I think," the manager said. "I think it was a performance that we needed. And we know what a quality player is and what he means to the group.
"For me, he's Leeds through and through in every way from the way from being here to the way he plays to, the way he handles himself. So big, big moment for us in our season to get him back and closer to full fitness and clearly that makes some very much a possibility to play from from the start next weekend."
