It's a sacrifice but Andrea Radrizzani is asking Leeds United fans to stick to the plan

All the Whites owner was doing, in writing an open letter that was published on the front page of today's YEP, was asking for a common sense approach if something should occur in the next few days that creates in supporters an overwhelming desire to take to the streets around Elland Road and sing songs.

Singing those songs at home, or wherever the next two or three games can be viewed while observing social distancing guidelines, is a sacrifice and a difficult one at that. No one would deny that the end of a 16-year exile from the Premier League, if that is what transpires, should be met with exuberant celebrations that create lifelong memories. Leeds fans present in the city centre on the day Gordon Strachan and co were paraded through it on an open top bus cherish that memory to this day and always will. Promotions are not a regular occurence and the wait for Whites has been agonising and arduous.

But this is a sacrifice in the short term that could just help fans return to stadiums in the medium term. If football cannot show that it can stay inside the white lines of medical and governmental advice, then the fear is that the reunion of supporters and their teams could be further delayed. Football's new normal is unthinkable, in the long term.

If Leeds complete the job they have started, Radrizzani will of course want his day in the sun as the owner who finally made the supporters' dream come true. He would want his players and staff to enjoy the adulation that would come their way. He also wants the term behind-closed-doors to become a distant memory. Fans being kept away from games is hurting clubs, so anything that might even threaten to delay the day when the turnstiles begin clicking once more is ill-advised, at best.

This virus has stolen from everyone, in varying degrees and Leeds United are no exception. It took the life of legend Norman Hunter. It has taken the lives of fans. As Radrizzani said: "The fight against COVID-19 is not over."

His football club have had a plan in place since Marcelo Bielsa arrived two years ago and by sticking to it, they are now within sight of their goal. Supporters are being asked to stick to the plan, adhere to the guidelines and if the time comes, celebrate as uproariously as they like, without putting the emergency services under further strain or jeopardising the health of the city's most vulnerable, many of whom are fans of this club.

If Liam Cooper and his team-mates do indeed go on to make the city proud, the city has an opportunity to return the favour. The white jersey and all its history demands each player puts side before self. It now demands the same of the people whose passion is supporting those players.