49ers chief ditches directors’ box amid wild Leeds Championship scenes
Leeds United produced an 18-minute comeback to beat Sheffield United on Monday, leading to wild scenes in the away end at Bramall Lane.
Junior Firpo’s 72nd-minute header and two goals in as many minutes from Ao Tanaka and Joel Piroe late on turned the game on its head at Bramall Lane, as Daniel Farke’s Leeds came away 3-1 winners.
With all three of United’s goals coming right in front of the H.E. Barnes Stand at Bramall Lane, Leeds fans were treated to celebrations with the players as they fought back from 1-0 down to claim the points.
The victory takes Leeds five points clear of the Blades at the Championship summit, and with a Premier League place in their grasp, one person with a big role to play going forward was seen in the away end.
Peter Lowy joins Leeds United fans at Bramall Lane
That figure amongst the 2,688–strong Peacocks contingent in South Yorkshire was the Australian Peter Lowy, an Elland Road board member, key figure for 49ers Enterprises, and a lifelong Leeds fan.
The Yorkshire Evening Post reported on 26 February that rather than take his place in the directors’ boxes at Bramall Lane as would be expected, Lowy went for a more authentic fan experience on Monday.
Lowy, who is heir to the Westfield Group and a former co-CEO of the shopping centre conglomerate, bought into Leeds via the 49ers in 2021 and is one of the Lowy Family Group’s biggest investors.
Elland Road plans enhanced by Peter Lowy presence at Leeds
Lowy’s experience in the Bramall Lane away end will have not only helped endear him to the travelling Leeds support, but also shown him just how veciferous those supporters can be at their best.
Fans who follow United home and away are seen by many as the core of the fanbase, and as a result generate a fair portion of the atmosphere both at Elland Road and beyond.
| Elland Road Stand | Current Capacity |
| Revie (North) Stand | 7,000 |
| Jack Charlton (East) Stand | 14,900 |
| Norman Hunter (South) Stand | 5,000 |
| John Charles West Stand | 11,000 |
With Elland Road set to be expanded to 53,000 if Leeds are promoted and can establish themselves in the Premier League, Lowy’s experience in the world of development and planning is set to be crucial.
Lowy being heavily involved in the expansion of Elland Road from its current capacity of 38,000 will surely be aided by getting the full fan experience – as part of a packed away end 25 miles down the M1.
Elland Road losing its atmosphere is a massive fear once the stadium’s capacity grows beyond 50,000, but with a lifelong fan in Lowy on board, Leeds fans will hope they can maintain its unique environment.