This week Leeds United fans reacted to the news shared by Phil Hay that all non-league seasons below the sixth tier were being written off.
Any leagues below the sixth tier of the men’s league pyramid were declared ‘null and void’ according to his article.
This news left Leeds fans nervous, with Marcelo Bielsa’s side sitting at the top of the Championship, set for automatic promotion to the Premier League. While there would still be time for the club to throw away promotion, they are seven points clear of third-place Fulham and have won all of their last five matches.
They are nervous about the precedent this decision has set, with them clearly concerned that the FA could decide to scrap their league as well.
This is an appalling descision, no common sense whatsoever! Taken because these are poorer clubs who are unlikely to sue. Footballs integrity is in serious question here!
— Chris Walton (@chris_walton21) March 27, 2020
Why? What benefit is there to whom by doing this now?
Dangerous precedent— WJ (@wjohn228) March 26, 2020
Are you worried the Championship could be null and void?
Yes - they have set a precedent
No - it would cost too much
This years league must be completed, all cup comps next year should be cancelled and the clubs can just concentrate on their league programmes for 20/21. Likewise no European comps, there should be plenty of time freed up to maintain the leagues.
— Mick (@CotterMick) March 26, 2020
They seem to be trying it out on the small clubs before coming for the bigger leagues. We need to fight this to the bitter end.
— Jez Old dog, old tricks (@MoreReasonsThan) March 26, 2020
Is the writing on wall for all Phil?
— Channi Patel (@ChanniPatel) March 26, 2020
Just before people start wetting the bed; this was voted for across those leagues. Our league and the Prem did not vote for this and there has been a commitment to finishing those leagues whenever that’s possible (inc after June). Doesn’t mean that can’t change of course
— Robert Hardy (@mightywrites) March 27, 2020
What do we think?
Leeds haven’t played top-flight football since their relegation from the Premier League in the 2003/04 season. And with the side finishing the regular season in third place last year, before losing out to Derby County in the playoffs, it is clear that Leeds fans feel that the writing is on the wall for them to be denied promotion yet again at the last minute.