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Leeds United owner Massimo Cellino has defended the club's decision to sack assistant manager Steve Thompson.

Thompson was dismissed ahead of Leeds' defeat to Blackburn on Saturday, with current boss Neil Redfearn threatening to quit the club over the decision.

Redfearn was also reportedly told not to pick top scorer Mirco Antenucci.

Ten-goal Antenucci has clause in his contract that says he is entitled to another year should he net 12 times, and was left on the bench for Saturday's fixture.

Cellino, speaking from Miami, told the Sun: “I’m told Steve Thompson called our sporting director Nicola Salerno an offensive name in front of other people after the game at Fulham.

"This is unacceptable. The board backed Salerno and I understand this.”

(Image: Jamie McDonald)

The maverick Italian also confirmed Antenucci's contract situation, but refuted claims he was unavailable to be selected.

Cellino was banned by the Football League for failing their fit and proper persons test, but will be back in Leeds next week ahead of a return to the club on May 3.

He added: “I have always liked Neil and said he is a manager with potential. I hope we can continue working well together.”

Redfearn is the Whites' third permanent boss this term, following the sackings of Dave Hockaday and Darko Milanic.