MOT View: BBC journalist details worrying issue for Leeds fans in battle for promotion
Leeds United might be denied their chance of winning promotion if Premier League clubs manage to talk the league’s bosses into scrapping relegation this season.
According to BBC Sport journalist Simon Stone, top-flight clubs are coming around to the idea of playing matches behind closed doors at neutral venues but will only do so if they cannot be relegated.
It is understood that teams who are in the battle against relegation are concerned that using neutral venus would affect the integrity of the remaining fixtures they have to play. Brighton are one team to speak out about the issue with Graham Potter’s team currently in 15th position and only two points clear of the drop zone.
What does this mean for Leeds United?
If Brighton are concerned about this plan and they’re in 15th place, then it is likely that all five teams below them are also having the same worries. If six teams drag their heels over playing in empty, neutral venues then the Premier League may have to sit up and listen to them.
If they give in then relegation could be scrapped for a season and that leaves major doubt surrounding Leeds and West Brom’s promotion bid.
Leeds are top of the Championship and seven points clear of third with nine matches to play while the Baggies are a point behind Marcelo Bielsa’s high-flyers with the same number of fixtures to complete.
A plan for a 22-team Premier League has been mooted and if relegation is scrapped, that is something that could come into play. However the Premier League could equally turn around and so no teams are being invited from this season’s Championship.
We really hope that isn’t the case.
In other Leeds United news, here’s how Hadi Sacko has gotten on since he was sold by Bielsa.