Leeds United players say they “can’t express how sorry” they are for not acknowledging fans before Sunday’s defeat by Bournemouth.
A video went viral on social media of Leeds players appearing to ignore fans, including a child, as they departed the team hotel prior to their 4-1 loss.
The Whites have taken just one point from their past five games and are one point above the relegation zone.
The future of manager Javi Gracia is under discussion by the club.
“Firstly, the performance was not good enough,” Leeds players said in a message to fans.
“There is no other way to look at it and the only way to respond is on the pitch. Leeds fans travel up and down the country in huge numbers and deserve more than this.
“What is just as concerning to us as a group, is the video online of us leaving the hotel. Words can’t express how sorry we are that the youngster in the video wearing the Leeds kit is not shown more love from the squad.
“On a matchday we do an activation walk, before and after this we stop for photos and autographs to ensure we interact with fans, but also that we are on time when leaving for games.
“However, there is no excuse for not acknowledging fans and if the parents of the fan wearing the Leeds kit in the video could make themselves known to us, we would be grateful.”