Michael Owen reacts after Leeds star Patrick Bamford involved in incident with Millwall fans

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Leeds United star Patrick Bamford was spat at by Millwall fans on Saturday after the striker was substituted, and Michael Owen has reacted on Twitter to a report from The Times about the incident.

The report states that referees have been told to use common sense, with players now allowed to leave the pitch anywhere when being substituted. It saw Bamford, 26, leave the pitch and walk in front of a section of aggressive Millwall fans.

Millwall and Leeds are renowned for their rivalry, but referee James Linington did little to protect Bamford from receiving abuse from the Millwall supporters – which included fans spitting at the striker.

The Times have claimed The FA have ordered referees to use common sense and not allow Bamford to walk in front of Millwall fans, or any player that could incite aggression from fans. England icon Owen reacted on Twitter.

TBR’s view – Owen is right, Bamford incident means rule needs scrapping

The rule is a nice thought on paper, saving time-wasting substitutes by hurrying them off the pitch as soon as possible. But for a player of a rival club to walk past angry fans, is just playing with fire.

It would surely make more sense for referees to simply stop the clock when a player is removed from the pitch, rather than asking them to risk being spat at while walking back round to the dugout.