Keith Hackett has told Leeds United fans to “take great care” after a warning was dished out to certain sections of the support at Elland Road.
Although the Whites are flying high at the top of the Championship, some fans might not be able to see Daniel Farke and his men see out their Premier League promotion bid with threats of banning orders now in place.
Leeds fans have hardly been known for their exemplary behaviour throughout recent decades but the Yorkshire club is now taking a hard-line stance on what they deem to be unacceptable behaviour.
Leeds release Manor Solomon statement
On Friday (14 February), Leeds released a statement that condemned an “anti-Palestine” chant aimed at Tottenham loanee Manor Solomon.
Leeds signed Israel international Solomon from Spurs on a season-long loan in the summer transfer window amid the backdrop of conflict between his home nation and Palestine.
Unfortunately, a section of United fans have made light of the ongoing war in Gaza by singing a song that says Solomon “hates Palestine”.
Former PGMOL and Football League referee Hackett has praised Leeds for their reaction to the ongoing chants and believes the EFL and the FA will have their eyes on the situation.
“Leeds United should be applauded for taking action to stop these unacceptable chants and taking further action on top of the warnings that they have already issued,” Hackett told MOT Leeds News.
“Leeds have issued a clear threat.
“Surveillance cameras used inside stadiums are formidable and I suggest that spectators should take great care with regard to this matter if they sit in those seating areas.
“I cannot see the EFL or FA getting involved at this stage but I suggest that they will be monitoring from a distance on the matter.”
EFL or FA intervention on the cards at Leeds
At the weekend, both Leeds and Millwall hit out at fans of the London club for tragedy chanting.
As Leeds were knocked out of the FA Cup, Millwall fans sang about the deaths of Christopher Loftus and Kevin Speight in Istanbul in 2000.
Making light of what’s been regularly called a genocide in Gaza isn’t much different.
The warning is there for Leeds fans. Stop the chants or face bans.
And if the chants don’t stop, it could start to affect the club on a more serious level.
Keith Hackett: Leeds to be under EFL observation amid ‘Unacceptable’ Elland Rd incidents
