Victor Orta breaks silence on Leeds United directors box abuse and admits challenging fan to 'fight' — YEP 23/10/23
Former Leeds United director of football Victor Orta says his verbal altercation with a supporter following Leeds’ 2-2 draw with Brentford in December 2021 came as a result of what the Spaniard understood to be a threat towards his family.
By Joe Donnohue
Orta’s angry exchange with a supporter situated in front of
the Elland Road directors box was picked up by television cameras after the
Whites’ last-minute draw with the Bees two seasons ago. The transfer chief cut
an animated figure as he gestured towards his agitator and has explained why he
reacted in such a way.
Speaking to the i from his new post as sporting director at
LaLiga side Sevilla, Orta said: “You hear a person abuse you for 30 minutes
without stop and his last words were: ‘If you don’t bring any players in the
winter market, be careful with your son.’
"I said: ‘Come here to fight’.
"I agree it was a bad example but I’d like to know how
many people could be cool after a level of abuse like that,” Orta added.
The 44-year-old was also involved in a similar incident
after Leeds’ eventual 4-3 win against AFC Bournemouth at Elland Road last
season. Orta was pictured in footage captured by a supporter’s camera-phone
appearing to shush those in the West Stand, below the directors box, whilst
shouting, ‘sack the board’ – a chant which had been sung that afternoon as
Leeds toiled against the Cherries. Orta subsequently apologised for this
particular outburst in a statement which read: “I would like to say sorry for
my reaction after the game yesterday.
“I don’t want to make excuses, but in the end I am human.”
Orta has spoken previously about the abuse he dealt with
during his time at Leeds. In an interview with The Telegraph following his
Elland Road departure, he said: “The past few months have been very difficult
for everyone at the club. I have been subjected to a lot of abuse in person, in
writing and via phone calls, after my number was deliberately given out last
month.
“I love and respect Leeds United fans,” he added. “The
atmosphere at Elland Road and across the country at every game is incomparable
and has helped us to get over the line on many occasions, I thank the fan base
for that. I will be sure to try to keep my emotions in check in future.”
Having had several months to reflect on his time at Leeds,
Orta recalls the highlights: “The thing I feel proud about is not bringing in
Bielsa or buying Raphinha but the culture I created where, from Maria Dowson in
the ticket office to the scorer of the goals, Patrick Bamford, all the people
could contribute to the success and were committed to the success of Leeds
United.”
Sevilla currently sit 13th in LaLiga and recently appointed
Diego Alonso to the head coach role following Jose Luis Mendilibar’s sacking.