Five Leeds United protests from the past
Leeds United fans have never been backward about coming forward and looking out for the interests of their club. Here are five Leeds United protest from the past.
November 1979
More than 1,000 Leeds fans calling for the resignations of manager Jimmy Adamson and chairman Manny Cussins had to be dispersed by police after United’s 3-1 defeat at home to Bristol City. Officers went into Elland Road’s Kop during the match to break up clashes between pro and anti-Adamson factions.
October 1985
A 2,000-strong crowd protested against the sacking of manager Eddie Gray at the team’s match versus Middlesbrough, with United’s directors briefly being besieged in the Elland Road boardroom. A trophy room window was also smashed as supporters hurled stones and coins.
April 2000
United fans showed their disgust at the killings of Christopher Loftus and Kevin Speight ahead of a UEFA Cup tie at Turkish side Galatasaray as they turned their backs en masse during the opening stages of the game.
February 2003
Leeds supporters famously unfurled a banner reading ‘Lies United’ during their side’s defeat at Everton. The protest followed the sale of Jonathan Woodgate to Newcastle as Whites chairman Peter Ridsdale’s bid to live the dream started to implode.
August 2011
Around 300 disgruntled Leeds fans gathered outside Elland Road’s West Stand before a game against Middlesbrough calling for chairman Ken Bates to quit. Bates later responded: “I am unimpressed by the demonstrations of a few morons last Saturday and ain’t going anywhere soon.”