Leeds United hit ‘brick wall’ Rangers didn’t as German police hypocrisy emerges
Leeds United’s pre-season camp in Germany felt like a covert operation all thanks to some baffling decisions by local authorities, as outlined by The Athletic.
The squad, under the watchful eye of Daniel Farke, spent the past nine days in near isolation at Hotel-Residence Klosterpforte in Harsewinkel, a quiet town on the outskirts of Bielefeld.
The secrecy around their location was not a choice but a necessity, as German police issued a firm directive to keep their two friendlies – against Hannover 96 and Schalke 04 – off-limits to fans.
With Euro 2024 putting a strain on local resources, the message to Leeds supporters was clear: stay home.
The Athletic reported on Tuesday (30 July) that the club worked tirelessly to find a solution, but despite their efforts, they found themselves hitting a “brick wall”.
Leeds United subjected to double standards on pre-season tour
It’s hard not to notice the double standard here. Coventry City, Rangers and Aston Villa are all playing in front of fans in Germany this summer, showing that the issue isn’t about a general shortage of resources but rather a selective application of rules.
The Whites’ predicament seems less about genuine logistical challenges and more about inconsistent enforcement.
While it’s understandable that local authorities might be stretched thin, the uneven approach raises eyebrows.
If other teams can play with fans in attendance, why couldn’t Leeds? This discrepancy feels like a case of one rule for some and another for Farke’s men.
However, this unfair treatment hasn’t dampened the spirits of the most dedicated Leeds fans, who, despite the odds, made the journey to catch a glimpse of their team.
Nonetheless, it does leave a sour taste, highlighting a troubling trend of inconsistency in how rules are applied.
In other Leeds United news, the Whites are not actively looking to sell another key attacker who is generating transfer interest.
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