EFL deliver update to Leeds over issue for clash v Cardiff that has left fans fuming
The EFL has confirmed that it won’t ask Leeds United to travel down on the morning of its first Championship game back, against Cardiff.
The game kicks off at midday on Sunday, June 21 and with overnight stays in doubt because of the Coronavirus outbreak, Leeds could have been facing an unreasonably early start.
Overnight stays are obviously a risk, however, according to Leeds Live, the game’s kick-off time will mean it falls into “permissible use” by the EFL.
They have warned about the extra risks involved and advised a full risk assessment to premises.
The report claims that Leeds haven’t made a decision yet and that flying on the morning of the game could be an option.
This is good news for Leeds on one level, but we’re still not very happy about the kick-off time – and there are plenty of Leeds fans who were left angry after the fixture list was announced.
There is obviously an added risk if the Leeds squad stay at a hotel and it could also add worry to the players ahead of a really crucial game.
We’re just not sure why the schedule was worked out the way it was by the EFL.
West Brom play Birmingham in a midlands derby at 3pm on Saturday afternoon. Why not give that slot to Leeds who could then travel as normal, with the Baggies getting the early game on Sunday?
That would have been a much more sensible move, with both games getting televised by Sky anyway.
The one consolation for fans who are facing shut out from stadiums is that they won’t have to get the first trains down to Wales on Sunday morning, although that’s a pain they would gladly have endured.
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