OPINION
Most fans think that things are weighed against them – even teams at the top of the game.
Referees always seem to favour the opposition and luck always goes against you, whoever you support.
However, Leeds fans have long felt that there’s institutional bias against them from the authorities and the recent £200,000 fine handed down to the club won’t have helped matters.
Respected Leeds journalist Phil Hay was asked whether he felt Leeds were treated more harshly than other clubs, and whether the EFL need them in the Championship, on the latest episode of the Inside Elland Road podcast (starts 8:40).
“Over the years I’ve seen Leeds clash with the authorities over a number of issues and in a lot of cases Leeds have either deserved some punishment or the punishment they deserved.
“Spygate it was very hard to look at and not think there was anti-Leeds sentiment in the background. That’s not to say it wasn’t worthy of attention. I think it was right Leeds apologised but I don’t think the fine was necessary, certainly not a £200,000 fine, which I think is disproportionate. But I don’t generally think that there’s a conspiracy over Leeds.
“On the question of whether the EFL need Leeds in the Championship, they absolutely do need them in the Championship. They bring in the biggest TV figures, they have one of the biggest home attendances, they have one of the biggest stadiums, one of the few clubs out side the PL that has true global appeal.
“But, should there be some dissatisfaction over the way Leeds have been dealt with over spygate and the final punishment, then yes there absolutely should be and Leeds are annoyed.”
It’s very hard to see any justification for the massive fine, especially when you take into account recent fines that have been levied against other clubs for racist chants, or action taken against players that cheat by diving.
So, is there a wider conspiracy against Leeds? Probably not. But, given the fact that the EFL really could do with Leeds staying in the Championship, their heavy-handed approach over spygate really doesn’t help matters at all.
At the very least it could the incredible heights that Marcelo Bielsa has reached at Leeds, through merit, not through any nefarious means.
And Hay’s comments won’t make them feel any better. In fact the excessive fine and the fact that Hay thinks it was heavy-handed, will only fuel their fire.