MX23RW : Sunday, September 29 14:21:04| >> :60:1461:1461:

Massimo Cellino enforces Leeds United fixture-change protest

Massimo Cellino announces that Leeds United will only take up the minimum 2,000 away allocation for Championship matches in protest to multiple fixture changes.

Leeds United owner Massimo Cellino has called on the Football League to stop "exploiting" the club by chopping and changing their fixture times so that matches can be shown on television.

So far this season, 13 of Leeds's matches have been altered from their original start time, 10 for TV coverage on Sky Sports, and Cellino said in a statement that the knock-on effect with attendances dwindling was hurting the club financially.

He outlined his plans for a protest which will see Leeds only take up the minimum away allocation of 2,000 for each game on the road, even though the club often take far more than that to grounds all over the country.

Last season the club averaged a league-high away attendance of 2,774 per game.

"Our players need the passion and support of their fans at Elland Road – we should have the right to play there in front of our fans at the traditional time," read Cellino's statement.

"We understand the value that Leeds United brings to the Football League, but we should be shown respect for that - we shouldn't be exploited because of it.

"We do not want to challenge the Football League or Sky, we simply want them to listen to us. We have used the correct channels in appealing to the Football League but the issues remain, so we have no choice but to take strong action to protect the future of Leeds United."

Cellino appeared to suggest that Leeds fans boycott away matches entirely, or remain silent at those matches to make a point to the League.

"We understand that this means a number of fans will now be unable to attend certain away games, but this is the sacrifice needed to make the Football League take notice," he added.

"We are encouraging you, as supporters, to think before purchasing ticket for away matches – our silence, especially away from home, will demonstrate our disappointment."

According to the Yorkshire Evening Post, the Whites' trip to Huddersfield Town on November 7, a local derby in which Leeds would usually take around 4,000 fans, will be the first time that the club exercise their right to offer only 2,000 tickets to travelling supporters.

ID:252604: cacheID:252604:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:2967:
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Sam Byram of Leeds United during the Sky Bet Championship match between Yeovil Town and Leeds United at Huish Park on February 08, 2014
Read Next:
Cellino: 'Byram turned down new Leeds deal'
>
Read more about Massimo Cellino Football
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
6pm
Rams
@
Bears
6pm
Eagles
@
Buccaneers
6pm
Steelers
@
Colts
6pm
Saints
@
Falcons
6pm
Broncos
@
Jets
6pm
Vikings
@
Packers
6pm
Bengals
@
Panthers
6pm
Jags
@
Texans
9.05pm
Patriots
@
49ers
9.05pm
Washington
@
Cardinals
9.25pm
Chiefs
@
Chargers
9.25pm
Browns
@
Raiders
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1West Bromwich AlbionWest Brom7511125716
2Sunderland7502146815
3Blackburn RoversBlackburn7430146815
4Burnley7421134914
5Leeds UnitedLeeds7421124814
6Sheffield UnitedSheff Utd743093613
7Watford74121210213
8Middlesbrough732285311
9Norwich CityNorwich7322119211
10Swansea CitySwansea631274310
11Oxford UnitedOxford Utd7313108210
12Hull City72329819
13Derby CountyDerby7304101009
14Millwall7223121028
15Plymouth ArgylePlymouth7223811-38
16Bristol City6222812-48
17Queens Park RangersQPR7142811-37
18Sheffield WednesdaySheff Weds7214914-57
19Luton TownLuton7214611-57
20Stoke CityStoke7205411-76
21Coventry CityCoventry7124611-55
22Preston North EndPreston7124412-85
23Portsmouth7043713-64
24Cardiff CityCardiff7016217-151


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!