You can now book your Leeds United match tickets online. Just click the link in the ticket availability column:
| Fixture | Date | Ticket availability |
|---|---|---|
| Bray Wanderers v Leeds United | 20/7/2008 | Tickets: Adult - €15.00, Student - €10.00, Child / OAP - €7.00. |
| Shelbourne FC V Leeds Utd KO 7.30pm | 23/7/2008 | Tickets: Adult - €20.00, Student - €10.00, Child / OAP - €5.00 |
Regular readers of LeedsUtd365.co.uk will know that we have been outspoken in opposition to the moving of Leeds United games by police simply to make them more difficult for Leeds fans to attend. It calls into question the whole ethos of a ‘level playing field for clubs’ in the Football League and the routine use of powers by the police that were designed for use in special circumstances.
Judging by the unprintable comments we have received from police officers or their supporters we must have touched a nerve out there - see our story on Yeovil last season and the two stories earlier this week.
Finally, it seems like someone else is taking up the cudgels, if somewhat belatedly, on behalf Leeds United fans. With the number of Leeds United fixtures altered in the 2007-08 season in double figures Leeds United supporters club chairman Ray Fell has finally come out and said in the YEP,
“I understand the need for rearranging fixtures when there are good reasons for doing so, but what worries me is the fact that our games seem to get moved as a matter of course.
“The first reaction to an away game involving Leeds seems to be to think about moving the date or the kick-off time, and the feeling is that we’re getting a raw deal.
“There were very few signs of trouble last season and the fans get a bit fed up when they’re being asked to visit places like Yeovil on a Friday night for no good reason.
“I think we have to accept certain games will be affected but I’d ask the police and other clubs to show common sense and a bit of restraint when considering whether a traditional 3pm kick-off time is so difficult to stick to.”
It is time the police had the courtesy to publicly give reasons why they have advised a club to move a football fixture.
The legislation may not require them to do so, but the last time I looked I didn’t live in a police state, and as the police do police us by consent, they should explain to those affected by the use of their special powers why they have chosen to do so - unless they feel that we just have to do what they say because they wear a uniform -in which case, it is time for the independent judiciary to earn their, eye-watering, public salaries and examine the use of these powers to ensure they are not being used ultra vires by the police.
Less than eight hours after the fixtures for 2008-09 are announced we have the first change of kick-off time for a Leeds United game. On this occasion it is the police in Peterborough who appear to have been surprised by the fact that their city has football club.
Despite weeks of consultation with police forces across the country, prior the fixtures being announced it appears the police in Peterborough were asleep on the job and have been caught out.
Posh police in “Judge Dredd” anti-Leeds
gear show off to Darren Fergybum
Now in a panic because some Leeds fans may turn up to watch their dismal local team they have peremptorily moved the game to 12:00. On the plus side its 12 noon rather than 12 midnight! Apparently the 3pm kick off would interfere with the police getting to the Sheepmolesters Arms for their darts and doms night at 7pm sharp!
Is it any wonder the police can’t stop crime when they can’t prepare for scheduled football matches? The Peterborough “Football Intelligence” Officer must have been trained by the Yeovil and South Wales Police forces. Do you think they are being deliberately ironic when they issue themselves with these job titles or can they really not see it?
Anyhoo - if you’re still interested in jumping through hoops to attend this exciting, nerve-jangling fixture against the Mighty Posh - it’s on Saturday October 4th - kick-off at 12 NOON.
Personally I’d give it a miss - I don’t go where I’m not wanted - but some of you may enjoy seeing the team of the spawn of the Dark Lord of Mordor, Darren Fergybum, get a good kicking from the lads in White.
The 2008-09 League One fixtures announced today and we will bring you a review of the forthcoming season here later this morning.
You can have the review sent to your inbox by signing up to our free Leeds United email newsletter “Billy’s Boots”. We send about one mail a week and don’t reveal your email address to anyone.
