Leeds United - on this day: Whites hit by 15-point penalty from the Football League

The date...

August 3, 2007

The event...

Leeds United are hit by a 15-point penalty from the Football League

What happened?

Leeds United were left stunned after being handed a 15-point penalty by the Football League for exiting administration incorrectly ahead of the new campaign.

Amidst one of the most turbulent summer's off the pitch at Elland Road, Leeds were beginning the new League One season in front of a backdrop of administration and legal challenges following relegation from the Championship.

Leeds had already faced a 10-point deduction the season before for entering administration following the club's relegation but were hit again by the authorities as chairman Ken Bates battled HMRC.

United appealed the verdict but chairmen from clubs across the Football League voted 64 to 5 in favour of imposing the penalty.

Leeds began the season in stunning fashion and eliminated the deduction by winning their opening seven games under head coach Dennis Wise and assistant Guy Poyet.

Gary McAllister took over in January 2008 after Wise left for a role with Newcastle United.

The Whites ended the campaign in 5th place, which earned them a spot in the end-of-season play-offs.

Leeds, though, were beaten in the final at Wembley by Yorkshire neighbours Doncaster Rovers as the club was resigned to a second succesive campaign in the third division.