Video: Leeds United fans stage new protest against Cellino

LEEDS UNITED supporters staged a new protest against owner Massimo Cellino by carrying a symbolic coffin around the outside of the stadium.
Fans carry a coffin during a protest before the Bolton Wanderers match at Elland RoadFans carry a coffin during a protest before the Bolton Wanderers match at Elland Road
Fans carry a coffin during a protest before the Bolton Wanderers match at Elland Road

The ‘Time To Go Massimo’ group - a ‘collective’ of fans who have come together to tell Cellino that he is not welcome as the owner of Leeds United following two years of ownership that they describe ‘woeful’ - staged the protest before Saturday’s match with Bolton Wanderers.

They also hired an advertising van to drive around Leeds with protest messages against Cellino.

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From 2pm it travelled up and down Elland Road, Wesley Street and Lowfields Road before parking adjacent the East Stand entrance in the triangle of council owned property under police supervision.

Fans carry a coffin during a protest before the Bolton Wanderers match at Elland RoadFans carry a coffin during a protest before the Bolton Wanderers match at Elland Road
Fans carry a coffin during a protest before the Bolton Wanderers match at Elland Road

It was also planned for a single-engined plane to fly over Elland Road until 3.10pm carrying the message Time To Go Massimo.

At 2pm, group members gathered with others behind the cause in the marquee in the beer garden of the Old Peacock to discuss further plans for protest and to show support for the boycott.

At 2.30pm, pall-bearers removed a Leeds United branded coffin on the council-owned ground.

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White roses were placed on the coffin by those against Eleonora Sport’s ownership of Leeds United.

Fans protest outside the Elland Road stadiumFans protest outside the Elland Road stadium
Fans protest outside the Elland Road stadium

The coffin was then taken to the Old Peacock by those boycotting the game for a wake.

One supporter said: “We will carry on until Cellino listens to us.

“Things aren’t getting any better at the club. Things are getting worse.”

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Another said: “We can’t believe how bad things are and we can’t see them getting any better until Cellino goes. It’s as simple as that.”

Fans carry a coffin during a protest before the Bolton Wanderers match at Elland RoadFans carry a coffin during a protest before the Bolton Wanderers match at Elland Road
Fans carry a coffin during a protest before the Bolton Wanderers match at Elland Road

The group originally asked fellow fans to join them in these protests via donations on with the aim of raising £4,000.

They have so far raised £4,700 and over £8,000 from 490 separate donors since first taking donations.

The Time to go Massimo group last week prompted the Italian to threaten legal action after installing an advertisement outside the ground demanding he sell the club.

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The poster – featuring a list of allegedly broken promises and a picture of Cellino with a cross through his face – was taken down after solicitors Ward Hadaway argued it amounted to harassment.

Fans protest outside the Elland Road stadiumFans protest outside the Elland Road stadium
Fans protest outside the Elland Road stadium

However, the protesters redoubled their campaign ahead of the match against Middlesbrough in February.

They projected a series of messages onto the East Stand setting out why they believe his ownership has failed and claiming fans have no confidence in the Cellino regime.

The £2,600 stunt was paid for by crowdfunding and masterminded by EMF Technology, the company famed for projecting a naked image of television personality Gail Porter on to the Houses of Parliament in 1999.

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Match Commander, Chief Inspector Kate Riley said: “West Yorkshire Police were aware of a possible protest by some Leeds United fans.

“The protest was monitored by police who were part of the match day operation to ensure it was peaceful and lawful. There was no hearse involved in the protest and no police escort.”