Leeds United double standards worry prompts investigation after pre-season announcement

Confusion caused by Leeds United’s behind-closed-doors order in Germany has not been helped by the discovery three other British clubs could be playing friendlies in front of fans there. Authorities on the continent have told the Whites no supporters will be allowed to watch the friendlies they have planned in the country next month.

Euro 2024 is currently dominating the Germany agenda. Once the tournament finishes on July 14, policing levels will take a hit through leave being taken, Leeds have been told. Therefore, the resources are not in place to safely manage their friendlies.

United communicated this to supporters on Tuesday and, today, Leeds United Supporters’ Trust has made it clear it will chase a more comprehensive explanation of why this has happened. Glasgow Rangers, Aston Villa and Coventry City all have friendlies scheduled in the country before the start of the new season.

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“We understand the decision to play behind closed doors was a policing decision,” a statement said. “Since the announcement, we’ve seen three other clubs announce a similar tour with fans allowed.

“We are in the processing of escalating this to the Football Supporters’ Association and Football Supporters Europe to get some more info.”

Coventry will play Darmstadt 98 at their home ground on July 27 and even reiterated to their supporters, despite United’s announcement, they would still be permitted to watch the match in person.

Rangers will play Union Berlin in the capital on the same day, July 27, while Villa are scheduled to visit Borussia Dortmund later on August 10. Neither the Glasgow nor Birmingham outfit have made, as yet, any mention of supporters being barred entry.

United’s statement on Tuesday said: “Unfortunately, due to circumstances beyond control of the club, we have recently been informed any friendly matches played in Germany have been ordered to take place behind closed doors.”