Saturday 20 October 2012 09:04, UK
South Yorkshire Police have pledged to work with both Leeds United and Sheffield Wednesday to find the supporter who invaded the pitch and assaulted Chris Kirkland in Friday's game between the clubs at Hillsborough.
An emotional Jones hit out at Leeds boss Neil Warnock and his players for saluting their fans at the end of the highly-charged 1-1 draw. He said: "They are vile animals. You talk about racism in the game, but what about the chanting and everything else? It's a form of racism in itself, but then, to go and wave at them? No, not in my book. "I've had a go at Neil Warnock, I know they are their fans, but you don't go and wave at them after they've done that. It's an absolute disgrace, I thought that had gone out of the game. The authorities had better look at it, and they had better sort it. Otherwise, they will keep doing it. "And I'm talking about an incident instead of the football, and that's why it was so crazy because it was a great game. High intensity, a few chances, two good goals, and instead we're talking about vile animals, and that's what they are - all of them." When asked about Kirkland's condition, Jones added: "Chris is sore, and if he had stayed down I wonder what would have happened. I've got an ill goalkeeper on, and if I'd put on three subs, and he's out, what happens then?" And on the offensive chanting, he said: "I've had it for 12 years, and it's just upsetting that they're allowed to do it. "I think they should be banned from every away ground now. Unfortunately, one idiot has run onto the pitch and punched my goalkeeper, and they need to sort it quickly." Leeds issued a club statement condemning the supporter's actions, and Warnock went further in his post-match interview with Sky Sports. He said: "I felt embarrassed to be a manager, it was an absolute disgrace. I think they should get the guy, prosecute him, and put him in prison. There's no place at all for that. "Listen, he (Kirkland) went down like a ton of bricks, but that doesn't make a difference. There's no way he should be on the pitch doing that, I hope we can make an absolute issue of it. "It spoilt everything for everybody. When I see a moron like that I'm not proud to be Leeds manager. I don't mind the rivalry - elbows flying, penalties missed by the referee - but to see things like that...I'm absolutely embarrassed."
