- Video of middle aged men singing song to young fan after match sparks heated debate between rival supporters online
- Clashes in the stands, a streaker and accusations of heavy-handed stewarding at Optus Stadium
Supporters of English Championship side Leeds United have been accused of racist chanting following their game against rivals Manchester United in Perth, Western Australia, on Wednesday.
The claims come after a video captured two middle aged Leeds fans interrupting an interview with a fan of the English Premier League side by chanting, "We're all from Leeds, you're all Chinese".
The young Manchester United fan looks bemused as the two men chant and point at him.
The video was posted by Manchester United fan account Stretford Paddock on Twitter along with the caption: "Disgusting to see that Leeds fans use causal racism like this. It's not on."
Disgusting to see that Leeds fans use casual racism like this. It's not on.#KickItOut #NoRoomForRacism pic.twitter.com/1yEkvKQHCK
" StretfordPaddock (@StretfordPaddck) July 17, 2019
Their post also featured the hashtags "Kick It Out" and "No Room for Racism".
Stretford Paddock's post has since been retweeted hundreds of times and was widely reported on in Australian media.
Soccer rivalry boiled over into bad behaviour at Optus Stadium last night.Manchester United beat Leeds 4-nil in what they called a 'friendly game'.#7NEWS @CatanzaroJoey pic.twitter.com/Dn3gz5k2UW
" 7NEWS Perth (@7NewsPerth) July 18, 2019
As expected, debate on the social media site was divided. Many users pointed out that the victim of the chant was not Asian, using this as evidence that it was "banter" and a comment on the Premier League side's global support.
Manchester United have long claimed to have 107 million followers in mainland China and are regarded as one of the biggest clubs in the world.
Other Twitter users were adamant that the Leeds fans in question were being racist.
Heavy handed stewarding during the game at Optus Stadium! No need for that all! Lads getting turfed out by the neck! #lufc #LeedsEverywhere #UnitedDownUnder pic.twitter.com/vkHsBpPWFX
" Leeds Everywhere (@LeedsEverywhere) July 17, 2019
Wednesday's friendly meeting at the Optus Stadium was also marred by violence in the stands between rival fans, with videos of a "mass brawl" circulated by several media outlets.
Before the Perth game, the teams had not met since 2011 but their matches in the 1970s and '80s often featured clashes between fans.
It was a busy night for the stadium stewards. Another video of men being escorted out of the stadium as onlookers scream has been shared on social media.
A heated brawl has broken out in the stands at Optus Stadium during last night's match between Leeds and Manchester United. It was just one of several at the English soccer showdown. @_KelHaywood #9News pic.twitter.com/ImQKsyKbRb
" Nine News Perth (@9NewsPerth) July 18, 2019
Leeds Everywhere posted the video with the caption, "Heavy handed stewarding during the game at Optus Stadium! No need for that all! Lads getting turfed out by the neck!"
Stewards also had to deal with a streaker running onto the pitch.
Manchester United won Wednesday's game 4-0 with goals from Mason Greenwood, Marcus Rashford, Phil Jones and Anthony Martial.
The win ends the Australia leg of their preseason tour and they now head to Singapore to face Inter Milan before meeting Premier League rivals Spurs in Shanghai next Saturday.
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