Leeds United call out Amazon Prime pundit over Premier League promotion claim as Andrea Radrizzani hits out at ‘disrespectful’ comments from Karen Carney

Amazon Prime pundit Karen Carney has come under-fire from Leeds United after it was suggested the club were promoted to the Premier League partly because of the disruption caused by COVID-19.

The Whites mocked the former England international on social media, with owner Andrea Radrizzani weighing in, as footage was shared of Carney’s analysis of Leeds’ relentless style following their thrilling 5-0 win over West Brom at the Hawthorns.

While Carney had offered much praise for Leeds’ performances this season and their demolition of the Baggies, her questioning of whether they can handle the pace over a full season sparked a backlash.

She said of Marcelo Bielsa’s side: “They outrun everyone and credit to them.

“My only concern would be that they blow up at the end of the season.

“We saw that a couple of seasons ago and I actually think they got promoted because of COVID, as it gave them a bit of rest bite.

“I don’t know whether they would have gone up if they didn’t have that break.”

Leeds’ social media team did not take kindly to her words, despite Carney largely offering them praise, and pointed to the margin of their Championship title victory in a mocking tweet.

Quote tweeting a video of her comments, Leeds wrote on social media: “Promoted because of Covid. Won the league by 10 points. Hi @primevideosport.“

Leeds owner Radrizzani defended the nature of the tweet, insisting he found Carney’s comments disrespectful.

He wrote on social media: “I take the responsibility of the club tweet.

“I consider that comment completely unnecessary and disrespectful to our club and particularly to the fantastic hard work of our players and coaches whom were understanding on the pitch for the last two championship seasons by all stats.”

Leeds had earlier run riot at West Brom to hammer the Baggies 5-0 and claim their biggest Premier League win for 17 years.

Romaine Sawyers’ awful own goal set the tone for the hosts before quickfire first-half goals from Ezgjan Alioski, Jack Harrison and Rodrigo.

Raphinha also netted in the second half as Leeds recorded their biggest victory in the top flight since a 6-1 win over Charlton in 2003.

Bielsa’s side kept back-to-back clean sheets for the first time this season to climb to 11th.