Post by Taxigirl on Oct 29, 2003 9:21:46 GMT
Leeds United's woes seem likely to continue after striker Alan Smith was caught throwing a bottle into the Elland Road crowd on Tuesday evening.
The incident came in the closing seconds of extra-time as The Whites suffered heartache following a 3-2 defeat to rivals Manchester United in the third round of the Carling Cup.
It occurred after Smith was cautioned for his challenge on United teenager Chris Eagles. He picked up a Lucozade bottle that bounced on to the pitch near him that had come from a section of Leeds fans who sat in the main West Stand.
A furious Smith picked it up and hurled it back from where it had come from, with the bottle allegedly striking a woman in the crowd on the forehead.
A spokesman for West Yorkshire Police said: "We have spoken to the match commander at Elland Road and are aware of the incident that took place."
Match referee Paul Durkin missed the incident, as did Leeds manager Peter Reid, who said: "I did not see that."
Fiery Smith likely faces an investigation from both The FA and West Yorkshire Police for the bottle-throwing incident and his indiscretion will likely bring more negative attention to the club.
Earlier on Tuesday, the West Yorkshire outfit had announced a pre-tax loss of £49.5 million in their last financial year - a record deficit recorded by any football club in Britain.