Leeds fan group want answers from perplexing Rangers, Aston Villa and Coventry City comparison
Leeds United Supporters Trust say they will work with national and European fan groups to ascertain why three other British clubs can take fans to Germany this summer but not the Whites.
Leeds put out a statement earlier this week informing fans that they had been ordered to play their pre-season friendlies behind closed doors during the trip to Germany. A statement read: "Unfortunately, due to circumstances beyond control of the club, we have recently been informed that any friendly matches played in Germany have been ordered to take place behind closed doors. We understand that supporters will be frustrated at this news, as we are equally as a club. We have explored all avenues, however, it has not been possible to overturn this decision. As always, we would like to thank you for your commitment and dedication, but in light of the above, we kindly ask supporters expecting to see Leeds United in pre-season training or matches, not to travel to Germany."
Leeds stood to gain financially from ticket sales had supporters been permitted to travel but their attempts to change the situation have thus far been fruitless.
To compound matters, confirmation from the Coventry Telegraph that up to 1,000 Sky Blues supporters planning to travel to watch their side face SV Darmstadt 98 have been given the green light to carry on with their plans and similar scenarios for Glasgow Rangers and Aston Villa supporters have left Leeds fans perplexed. Rangers are to take on Union Berlin and have filled their allocation of 2,400 tickets, while Villa are expected to pack the away end at Borussia Dortmund's Signal Iduna Park on August 10.
The Trust has received a number of complaints from supporters who have traditionally travelled all over the country and beyond to watch their side, including pre-season friendlies. Some of the complaints revolve around Leeds' decision to go ahead with the camp despite the inability of fans to attend the games. A Trust spokesperson Tweeted on Friday: "We understand the decision to play behind closed doors was a policing decision. Since the announcement we’ve seen three other clubs announce a similar tour with fans allowed. We are in the process of escalating this to the @WeAreTheFSA and @FansEurope to get some more information."
The Trust say their aim is to help Leeds supporters understand the full facts as to why a decision has been taken to order the friendlies to be played behind closed doors, on a local level. Leeds fans will get two opportunities to watch their side play this summer before the Championship kick-off. A limited number will attend the friendly at Harrogate Town's Exercise Stadium on Friday July 19 and then Elland Road will host LaLiga side Valencia on Saturday August 3.