Yahoo News Coventry City respond after Leeds United fans told 'not to travel' for pre-season friendly
Coventry City fans travelling to Germany for the club’s pre-season match against SV Darmstadt 98 can rest assured their plans have not been thrown into chaos amid news that Leeds United supporters have been urged not to travel to their club's scheduled friendly matches in the country that's currently hosting the Euros.
The Sky Blues’ Championship rivals issued a ‘do not travel’ plea to their fans after failing to overturn an order to play their Germany pre-season tour games behind closed doors. That sparked concern amongst City fans, many of whom have already booked flights and hotel accommodation for the club’s away warm-up game against newly relegated Bundesliga side Darmstadt, in south west Germany.
Up to 1,000 Coventry fans are thought to be heading out for the match on Saturday, July 27.
The Whites, meanwhile, are set to hold a summer training camp and at least two fixtures next month in manager Daniel Farke’s home country.
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A club statement revealed that they will be unable to play in front of supporters while in Germany and their attempts to overturn the decision had been fruitless. The Yorkshire Evening Post reports that the strain placed on various authorities by Germany’s hosting of EURO 2024 has been a factor, while Leeds now hope to be able to screen the games via their LUTV platform instead.
The statement said: “Leeds United can confirm the club will travel to Germany for a pre-season training camp ahead of the 2024/25 season. Unfortunately, due to circumstances beyond control of the club, we have recently been informed that any friendly matches played in Germany have been ordered to take place behind closed doors.
“We understand that supporters will be frustrated at this news, as we are equally as a club. We have explored all possible avenues, however, it has not been possible to overturn this decision. As always, we would like to thank you for your commitment and dedication, but in light of the above, we kindly ask supporters expecting to see Leeds United in pre-season training or matches, not to travel to Germany.”
CoventryLive, meanwhile, have been told by Coventry City that nothing has changed regarding their pre-season plans for Germany and that Leeds United’s situation does not affect their fixture in Darmstadt. Further, the two clubs are pressing ahead with arrangements to welcome travelling Sky Blues fans, and City are currently waiting for match ticket information to pass on to those planing to make the trip.
