Leeds United chief expresses sympathy for West Brom, proposes earlier Premier League stadium return for fans

If the government's planned emergence from lockdown is succesful, around 9,000 Whites supporters will be present for the very last game of the top flight season, when Leeds host West Brom.

Kinnear has sympathy for the relegation-threatened Baggies, who will not get the chance to host a game with fans until next season.

"This week we had encouraging news on the return of fans, with the government giving clarity that the final game of the season is the new target for step one of a phased return," he said in his programme notes for today's Elland Road clash with Aston Villa.

"While we welcome the direction of travel, which bodes well for a full return for the first game of next season, I believe there will still need to be discussions around the sporting integrity of such a potentially decisive fixture for so many clubs, being the only game all season having the impact of a crowd.

"While nothing would please me more than the earliest possible return, I have some sympathy with West Bromwhich Albion who may not fancy the prospect of playing in front of 9,000 rabid Leeds fans who haven't been out for a match (or a pint) in over a year."

Kinnear's suggestion is to simply move the date of the fans' return forward by a week.

"The pragmatic solution will be to move the return date a week earlier, allowing every club to have one home and one away fixture," he added.

Under Kinnear's proposal, Leeds would play in front of Southampton fans on May 15, before their Elland Road reunion on May 23.

Leeds have played just once in front of supporters since March 7 2020. London's Tier 2 status for the visit to Chelsea meant there were 2,000 Blues fans at Stamford Bridge to see their side's 3-1 win over Marcelo Bielsa's side.