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Isn't that called "scouting"

Not really, no.

Scout players (during matches) not tactics, formations, missing players etc at the opponents' training ground.

Only cheats do that.

That'd explain why it's common practice in Argentina

Maybe so, Not here though.

What did you expect from Leeds

Well, yes. I'm genuinely baffled by what the problem is. Derby training pitch is open to the public, it sits beside a public road so anybody can watch should they choose to do so. If you have top secret training plans surely you'd train behind closed doors!

My thoughts exactly. I'm sure it happens all through the leagues on a regular basis.

They are just trying to build a wall and have Leeds pay for it.

That's alright then. No need for the FA to investigate the incident.

Nothing to see here (see what I did there?).

Move along now...

There's no reports about anyone else being there. Just this Leeds United employee who had binoculars, pliers (??) and a change of clothes (??).

Sounds to me like. if it wasn't 'behind closed doors', then it wasn't exactly open to the public.

It's on a public highway though. I could go watch them train anytime I want to if I so wished to. All they have to do is erect a fence if they don't want to be seen.

Binoculars as he's an avid bird watcher,
Pliers incase he comes across one of his avian friends tangled in wire,
Change of clothes in case the little bird poops on him whilst he's recuing it.

Nothing untoward at all

But no-one else was there, just this Leeds employee. Was it his day off or something? Did he just fancy going to watch Derby train the day before his club played them? What was he doing there? Why have there been no reports of other 'suspicious' characters at Derby's training ground involving employees of clubs they're about to meet in the League, just Leeds.

It stinks

Derby offer Training facility tours on thursdays at 4pm.

I can see what Mitchell's saying though as anyone could watch them train. They do have an indoor facility as well.

They've not denied he was there scouting them. The point that's being made is that neither Bielsa (Or myself format matter) were aware that scouting was frowned upon.

Surely he must have been standing on a public footway? I wouldn't want to be standing on a public Highway, unless of course, he was sitting in a parked car?

Sounds rather Inspector Clouseau'ish to me.

Apparently this is the Football League law that they may have broken...

'in all matters and transactions relating to the league each club shall behave towards each other club and the league with the utmost good faith'

A bit vague to say the least

Excellent, Donald!

Espionage is a way of life, it's been going on long before you were born.

It's up to those being 'spied upon' to limit it's effect.

Does that make it OK then?

Is that what the FA will find?

And is 'ignorance' a legitimate defence?

Unfortunately we see more of this in society every day