PLAYERS' union boss Gordon Taylor fears a "witch-hunt" following claims that an unnamed Leeds player leaked team news to Crystal Palace ahead of their crucial Championship clash at Elland Road.
Furious Leeds manager Dennis Wise refused to identify the player, who he claimed had provided Palace with his starting line-up at lunchtime on Saturday.
But even though his struggling side won 2-1, Wise vowed the mystery player would never play for the club again.
Taylor, chief executive of the Professional Footballers' Association, said: "The problem now is that there will be a witch-hunt by the media.
"It's really too sensitive to comment until there's been a proper inquiry.
"Experience tells me to be very careful and not to jump to conclusions until we know exactly what has happened.
"The player in question will be castigated for something he might or might not have done and there might be a perfectly innocent way this information has been passed on.
"These are very serious accusations. It will impact very badly on the player in question."
Leeds are a point adrift at the bottom after goals by Matt Heath and Robbie Blake overcame Palace.
Heath netted after 27 minutes when he reacted first to Blake's corner to head home.
Blake was on target 18 minutes from time to double Leeds' lead, taking advantage of a deflection off Kevin Nicholls to beat Gabor Kiraly.
Leon Cort pulled a goal back after 83 minutes, powering home a header from Mark Kennedy's free-kick, but Leeds held on to win.
Leeds are back in action next Saturday, when they visit Cardiff.
Leaders Derby were held 2-2 at home to Hull.
Birmingham climbed to second with a 1-0 home win over Stoke yesterday.
Gary McSheffrey's bullet header in the 71st minute sealed the points.
