Leeds United chief alarmed by lack of 'intellectual clarity' needed at government level to bring fans back

Leeds United's main off-pitch focus is bringing fans back to Elland Road as soon as possible, but Angus Kinnear has expressed worries over the government's ability to make it happen.
By Graham Smyth
Published 19th Sep 2020, 14:02 BST
Updated 19th Sep 2020, 14:06 BST
STILL EMPTY - Supporters remain locked out of Elland Road and Leeds United say their off-field priority is returning them to the stands as soon as possible. Pic: GettySTILL EMPTY - Supporters remain locked out of Elland Road and Leeds United say their off-field priority is returning them to the stands as soon as possible. Pic: Getty
STILL EMPTY - Supporters remain locked out of Elland Road and Leeds United say their off-field priority is returning them to the stands as soon as possible. Pic: Getty

The Whites chief executive says it's not just the financial impact of closed stadia driving clubs' desire to get supporters through the doors again.

"Off the pitch our main focus is obviously helping to ensure a swift and safe return of supporters to Elland Road," he said in his programme notes for today's Premier League clash with Fulham, the first top flight game at the stadium since 2004.

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"This imperative is shared by all clubs and is being championed by the Premier League. While the financial impact has been highlighted in the press, I believe that all the clubs are also driven by a sense of futy to their supporters and a desire to return the spirit and togetherness that only live football can deliver back to the nation."

But Kinnear is alarmed by what he sees from the government when it comes to a strategy.

"Worryingly, however, a government that centrally funded half-price Nando's one week and then complained about young people over-socialising the next, seem currently unlikely to possess the intellectual clarity to facilitate a solution anytime soon."

Today is Leeds' first behind-closed-doors game of the new Premier League season but their second against Fulham in 2020, having hosted the Cottagers in the Championship late last season without fans.

Related topics:Angus KinnearElland RoadPremier LeagueFulham

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