Andrea Radrizzani sets sights on eventual return of Leeds United's fans

By Lee Sobot
Published 22nd Jul 2020, 05:50 BST
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ANDREA Radrizzani hopes Leeds United will be able to welcome fans to Elland Road by the early stages of next season with the Whites owner also hailing the connection between his club and the city.

Premier League-bound Leeds will receive the Championship winners trophy this evening as United end a historic season and 16-year exile from the country’s top flight with their Elland Road clash against Lee Bowyer’s Charlton Athletic (kick-off 7.30pm).

Yet amidst the country’s ongoing battle with coronavirus, United’s last nine games have had to be played without fans and behind closed doors including five fixtures at Leeds’ famous home.

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United sealed an automatic promotion place and ended a 16-year exile from the country’s top flight without even kicking a ball last Friday evening as second-placed West Brom fell to a 2-1 reverse at Huddersfield Town.

MISSING THE FANS: Leeds United chairman Andrea Radrizzani, right, in the Pride Park stands at Sunday's 3-1 victory at Derby County. Picture by Mike Egerton/PA Wire.MISSING THE FANS: Leeds United chairman Andrea Radrizzani, right, in the Pride Park stands at Sunday's 3-1 victory at Derby County. Picture by Mike Egerton/PA Wire.
MISSING THE FANS: Leeds United chairman Andrea Radrizzani, right, in the Pride Park stands at Sunday's 3-1 victory at Derby County. Picture by Mike Egerton/PA Wire.

Leeds were then crowned champions the following day as third-placed Brentford also slipped up in a 1-0 loss at Stoke City.

It meant Leeds were promoted as champions with two games remaining and United’s players then celebrated for the first time on the pitch following Sunday’s 3-1 victory at Derby County.

Whites owner Radrizzani was there to savour the jubilant scenes at Pride Park but the Italian admitted the only thing that was missing was United’s fans with Leeds feeling their loss both home and away.

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