Police ask Leeds United fans to stay home if Elland Road side wins Premier League promotion

Leeds United fans are being urged to celebrate safely at home if the club's long-awaited return to the Premier League is confirmed this week.
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Asked about the prospect of delighted fans gathering at Elland Road or elsewhere in the city, West Yorkshire Police said it was important to remember the current government advice on social distancing and why it was in place.

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It follows chaotic scenes earlier this month when thousands of Liverpool fans gathered at Anfield and in the city centre after their club won the Premier League for the first time in 30 years.

Leeds United fans are being asked to remember social distancing guidelines and why they have been put in place. Picture: Jonathan GawthorpeLeeds United fans are being asked to remember social distancing guidelines and why they have been put in place. Picture: Jonathan Gawthorpe
Leeds United fans are being asked to remember social distancing guidelines and why they have been put in place. Picture: Jonathan Gawthorpe
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While the majority celebrated in a good-natured way, there were also incidents of disorder, assaults on police officers and a fire at the famous Liver Building caused by fireworks and flares being let off nearby.

Ahead of tonight's key game for the Whites, a West Yorkshire Police spokesman said: "We understand that fans will want to celebrate but ask them to bear in mind their own safety and wellbeing, as well as that of others. It’s important to remember that Covid-19 is still with us and large gatherings are still not permitted.

"People should continue to check and follow the latest Government guidance for their own protection. The safety of fans and the wider public is our primary concern and the safest way that people can celebrate is in their own homes."

Their advice comes on the day that Leeds United owner Andrea Radrizzani penned an open letter to fans, thanking them for the love they have shown the club and stressing the importance of staying home to help prevent the spread of Covid-19.

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It echoes a message that has been shared by the Leeds United Supporters' Trust, key fan groups and influencers through the online #StayAway campaign, which has been backed by the likes of player Vinnie Jones and Kaiser Chiefs bassist Simon Rix.

In an exclusive column written for the YEP, the Trust's board previously explained why it was urging fans to steer clear of Elland Road when games resumed.

It said: "We all desperately want to be at Elland Road to celebrate an important part of our history, in our centenary season, but we simply can’t. The danger of spreading the coronavirus is just too much of a risk.

"There will be a time when we can all get together and have a massive party but, for now, think about those we have already lost and those loved ones we wouldn’t want to lose.

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"If nothing else, do it out of respect for the late great Norman Hunter, a Leeds legend who was taken from us far too soon by this deadly virus."

If Leeds are promoted as hoped, next season will mark the first time they have played in the football's top flight in 16 years.

Current social distancing guidelines, designed to reduce the spread of Covid-19, mean that it is against the law for gatherings of more than 30 people to take place in private homes and gardens or in a public outdoors space, unless planned by an organisation in compliance with Covid-19 Secure guidance.

People should only socialise outdoors in a group of up to six from different households or in larger groups if everyone is exclusively from one or two households.

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Where social distancing of two metres cannot be maintained, it is recommended that other measures such as wearing a face covering are taken.

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