David Sheepshanks has slammed the pitch invasion by Leeds United supporters at Elland Road on Saturday. But the Town chairman had praise for the Blues' supporters and players.

Sheepshanks told the club site: "I was there to witness a significant number of so-called Leeds United supporters invade the Elland Road pitch on Saturday, hold up the match for 30 minutes and generally display aggressive intent and in some cases harm towards Ipswich Town fans, and indeed our players.

"We utterly deplore what happened, as, it must be said, do the majority of Leeds United supporters, some of whom have even contacted us to express their regret.

"It was a stark reminder of a past era of football violence that I thought we had managed to leave behind in this country. It will now be a matter for the football authorities to investigate and take whatever action they see fit.

"However, what concerns us most is the safety of our players and fans. All of us at Ipswich Town would like to pay tribute to the conduct of our supporters under extreme provocation. Once again they were a credit to themselves and the club. Our thoughts and best wishes are with those who were hurt as a result of what happened.

"I would also like to commend our players for their recognition of both what our own fans endured and their display of empathy for the sad plight of the real Leeds United fans who remained at the end of the game."

Get the fastest and most comprehensive Ipswich Town news service at ipswichtown.footballlatest.co.uk.

Photo: Action Images

Ipswich Town Polls