Leeds United is committed to supporting the EFL and wider footballing community initiative of ‘Love Football Protect the Game’, which has been introduced to improve behaviour from fans and participants during the 2023/24 season.
On the eve of the new campaign getting underway for both Leeds United and Cardiff City on Sunday, we are asking all supporters to remember the upsetting loss of Emiliano Sala, who tragically lost his life in 2019 at the age of 28.
Both teams on Sunday have recent and painful memories having been devastated by tragedies within football. We must continue to show support and respect to each fanbase, friends and loved ones who have suffered such pain.
Sunday’s match at Elland Road is live on Sky Sports and with the footballing world watching on as the first ball is kicked when the clock hits 2:30pm, we know our loyal and fantastic fanbase will be focused towards the team and matters on the pitch.
Leeds United Football Club has a zero tolerance policy to anybody inside or outside the stadium who participates in anti-social, discriminatory or any form offensive behaviour.
Anybody who wishes to report any matters concerning them about the behaviour of an individual inside the ground is asked to use the ‘Matchday Incident Text Service’, on 07887 514789.
The EFL issued the following wording as part of a media release earlier this week in respect of this new initiative in the game.
To challenge the totally unacceptable presence of football tragedy abuse, for season 2023/24, regulation changes and tough new measures have been introduced which will see people who are found to have committed offences face stadium bans and potential criminal prosecution.
The issue is focused on offensive chanting, gesturing and displaying offensive messages based on football-related tragedies, which causes significant distress to the victims’ families, survivors and affected-club supporters. Football authorities, supporter groups and law enforcement organisations, including the police and CPS, have united to crack down on fans who participate in this vile form of abuse.
In addition to bans and criminal sanctions, a range of in-stadium, in-classroom and online resources will be rolled out under the ‘Love Football Protect the Game’ banner, to educate adults and children alike about the hurt tragedy chanting causes. Ground regulations have also been updated to incorporate references to tragedy chanting.
The game will also continue its efforts to combat dangerous, illegal and unwelcome behaviour off the pitch, be it in the stands or online. Last season a host of new measures were introduced by authorities which saw enhanced sanctions applied for people identified entering the pitch, using pyros, taking drugs to games, throwing objects or for discriminatory abuse.
To support the rehabilitation of those identified as having engaged in negative matchday behaviour, a new pilot scheme is now in development phase which will refer young people to a restorative justice education programme that will seek to inform and educate about the impact of their behaviour on others.
The scheme is being run by the Premier League, EFL, Premier League Community Fund and the EFL Trust with support from local police forces and will be trialled at ten clubs across the Premier League, Championship, League One and League Two.
