Good Morning. It's Monday 17th February, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road...
Leeds issue zero-tolerance policy towards hate crimes
Leeds United have issued a formal statement condemning discriminatory chanting of anti-Palestinian lyrics within a Manor Solomon Chant! Despite initial attempts to address the issue through social media and engagement with fan groups, the club has expressed disappointment that the chant has become increasingly prevalent at both home and away matches. Acknowledging numerous complaints from their own fanbase, Leeds United have reiterated their zero-tolerance policy towards hate crime and discriminatory abuse, emphasizing that such behaviour has no place at Elland Road. To tackle the issue directly, the club has identified specific sections of Elland Road stadium as the origin points of the discriminatory chant.
The statement pinpoints the Norman Hunter South Stand, particularly blocks FA5, FA6, SS5, and SS6, as areas of concern after monitoring recent home games. In response, they are implementing heightened security measures, including increased CCTV surveillance and steward presence in these identified blocks for all remaining home matches this season. The club warned that “action will be taken against any person who participates in the chant, including the issuing of a club banning order,” signaling a firm stance against the unacceptable behaviour.
The situation has sparked varied reactions, particularly on social media. Some have attempted to downplay the chant's severity, arguing that while distasteful, it lacks explicitly derogatory language. Many others have voiced outrage, questioning why the club has been seemingly quicker to act on this chant compared to the highly offensive chant regarding Wilfred Gnonto.
After monitoring the situation at recent home games, the origins of the chant at Elland Road appear to come from the Norman Hunter South Stand, particularly in blocks FA5, FA6, SS5, SS6. As a result, there will be an increased CCTV surveillance and stewarding presence in FA5, FA6, SS5 and SS6 at all home games between now and the end of the season and action will be taken against any person who participates in the chant, including the issuing of a club banning order.mDiscriminatory language can be reported by contacting your nearest steward or discreetly via the matchday incident text service by texting LEEDS and your message to 60006. Given what is at stake for the club in the weeks ahead, this is a time we need the fanbase to be united, not divided. Thank you for your co-operation.
Blades re-take top spot
Leeds need at-least a draw this evening if they are to return to the top of the pile following events over the weekend. Sheffield Utd reclaimed top spot for the first time in 2025 with 1-0 victory at Kenilworth Road, curtesy of a 79th minute strike from Anel Ahmedhodzic. It was enough to see the Blades go a point clear at the top of the Championship. Elsewhere, Burnley stay third on 65 points, four shy of Leeds in second, after being held to yet another 0-0 draw, their eleventh of the season. They may have gone over a thousand minutes without conceding a goal, but are starting to lose momentum due to problems at the other end of the pitch.
