The Football Association have confirmed they are investigating the training ground ‘spy’ incident involving Derby County and Leeds United.
The Rams’ preparations for Friday night’s Championship showdown with Leeds – which is LIVE on talkSPORT 2 – were disrupted by a suspected spy.
Police were called to the club’s training ground on Thursday after a man was seen acting suspiciously outside the premises.
The FA issued a statement which read: “We are aware of the incident at Derby County’s training ground and we will be investigating the matter.”
The Championship leaders could now face FA charge and an embarrassing investigation, with their promotion rivals determined not to let the matter drop.
The FA are also in dialogue with the Football League with Derby intent on reporting the Whites.
The suspect was reportedly in possession of a pair of binoculars, pliers and a change of clothes at the time he was picked up by police.
Frank Lampard’s training session had to be stopped while the necessary checks were carried out.
The Rams had earlier released a statement on Friday to confirm the individual alleged to have been ‘spying’ on training indeed worked for Marcelo Bielsa’s side.
The statement read: “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.
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“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.
“At this time no further comment will be made.”
An EFL spokesman said they are yet to hear from Derby.
A statement read: “We are aware of the reports in relation to an incident at the training ground of Derby County.
“It is, of course, up to Derby County as to how they progress this matter but as of yet we have received no complaint or contact from the club.”
Derbyshire police had earlier tweeted on Thursday to say they had located and removed the man amid suspicion he was attempting to spy on the Premier League hopefuls’ squad.
The tweet from the Derby Response Unit of Derbyshire Constabulary read: “Officers have just attended the Training Ground for @dcfcofficial after a suspicious male was seen at the perimeter fence.
“Excellent searching conducted and male was located. All checks above board!
“Keeping the team safe to bring home a win against #LUFC on 11th! #SpyingIsCheating.”
An update from Derbyshire Police on Friday confirmed no arrests were made.
