Leeds defend decision to lift Championship trophy on open-top bus for Elland Road fans

Newly-promoted club say decision was supported by council and local safety advisory group

Leeds United have defended the decision to parade the Championship trophy on an open-top bus in front their supporters outside Elland Road on Wednesday night.

The newly-promoted club advised fans to stay away from the 4-0 win over Charlton, after which Marcelo Bielsa’s side were presented with the Championship trophy.

Some supporters congregated outside Elland Road regardless and were able to watch the Leeds players and staff lift the trophy for them from an open-top bus.

The club said the bus was arranged in order to “assist dispersal” of those inside the stadium if crowds gathered to celebrate.

The local safety advisory group had also agreed that the players lifting the trophy for the fans would “signal an end to proceedings”.

A Leeds spokesperson said: “Following consultation with the SAG and [Leeds City] Council, Leeds United arranged for a bus to be parked outside the East Stand reception as a contingency to assist dispersal should a crowd congregate at Elland Road despite a month-long campaign from the club and supporter groups to encourage supporters to stay at home.”

“The safety group believed was that a brief appearance from the players with the Championship trophy, would help to signal an end to proceedings, encouraging fans to head home safely. In challenging circumstances fan safety has always been our priority.”

Leeds ended their 16-year wait to return to the Premier League at the weekend, clinching promotion and the title after defeats for West Bromwich Albion and Brentford.

Earlier on Wednesday, chief executive Angus Kinnear had urged fans to stay away from Elland Road and “consider the health of people in our community”.

“We appreciate the support of fans, as always, and it is heartbreaking that we can’t encourage the kind of scenes we all know we should seeing be under different circumstances,” Kinnear said.

“However, people must consider the negative impact coming out could have on others. I promise that when the time is right, we will celebrate in style. For now, support Leeds, stay at home.”