Leeds United: Blackpool write to supporters after violence mars Whites clash

BLACKPOOL FC have written to around ninety supporters to demand answers as to how groups of Leeds United fans ended up in the home sections of Bloomfield Road during Saturday’s 1-1 Championship draw - which was marred by violence.
Trouble flares up behind the goal in  the Blackpool end.  Picture by Tony JohnsonTrouble flares up behind the goal in  the Blackpool end.  Picture by Tony Johnson
Trouble flares up behind the goal in the Blackpool end. Picture by Tony Johnson

Ugly scenes occurred during the second-half of the 1-1 draw in the Mortensen North Stand at Bloomfield Road which left one supporter needing attention after being badly bloodied.

Stewards and police broke up an outbreak of fighting between a pocket of Leeds fans in the home-only section and home supporters, with tickets confiscated from United followers traced back to Blackpool season-ticket holders.

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Letters have been sent out by Blackpool FC seeking explanations as to how tickets ended up with Leeds fans and home supporters could face bans if they don’t provide a suitable answer.

The club said: “The club has since launched an investigation and will be writing to those supporters on our ticketing system who purchased tickets, or a season ticket, found in possession of Leeds United fans.

“Home tickets for the match against Leeds United were only on sale to Blackpool supporters with a previous purchase history.

“The club was concerned to note that several Leeds United fans managed to infiltrate the home ends by being in possession of season ticket swipe cards and tickets purchased by supporters listed on our database.”

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A total of 22 Leeds fans were ejected from the stadium for being in the wrong areas while a further 90 were relocated to the away section of the ground.

Lancashire Police said there were no arrests during or after Saturday’s game, but confirmed an investigation into trouble is underway.

Leeds, who have had the highest average away support in the Championship since their return to the second tier in 2010-11. quickly sold out their 1,600 official allocation for Saturday’s clash.