Football Supporters' Assocation calls on government to let Leeds United fans back into Elland Road

Cabinet Office Minister Michael Gove revealed earlier today that the government would pause their plans for a staged return of supporters to stadiums from 1 October.

Leeds United chief executive Angus Kinnear outlined the club's off-field priority as bringing Whites back into Elland Road as soon as possible, in his matchday programme for Saturday's clash with Fulham. Leeds have played behind closed doors since the 2019/20 season resumed in June.

The continued absence of matchday revenue is taking a heavy toll on the finances of clubs up and down the country and FSA chief executive Kevin Miles believes the EFL test events have shown that clubs and supporters can be trusted to adhere to social distancing guidelines. He is calling on the government to listen to the pleas of the football community as a matter of urgency.

"The FSA has written to the Government to stress how important it is that we start to allow fans back into games," said Miles.

"Feedback from our members at test events has confirmed high levels of compliance with all the health and safety measures put in place, and that they felt safer at games than they have done in many other social situations.

"Having fans at games is of course not only important to the lives of supporters, it is also crucial to the survival of so many clubs who play a crucial role within their communities. A combination of revenue at the ground and government support is urgently needed to keep clubs going.

"The Government has to listen to fans and football clubs on this one."