Leeds United fans face
Leicester City ban

Fans of controversial Leeds United football club could face a ban from rival Leicester City's ground after a repetition of racial abuse which has marred the club's visits in recent years.

Leeds United hit the headlines earlier this year after its top players were taken to court following a violent, drunken brawl outside a local night club that led to the hospitalisation of 20-year-old South Asian university student Safraz Najeib.

One of the players involved in the incident, Lee Bowyer, was labelled a liar and a thug in court but was subsequently acquitted. Another player, Jonathan Woodgate, was convicted of affray and sentenced to 100 hours community service. Najeib's parents insist their son was the victim of a racist attack and have threatened civil action.

Now the prospect of banning Leeds fans from Leicester has been raised after a series of sickening racist chants, which are to be investigated by Leicestershire Police.

Leicester's chairman John Elsom is pressing for talks with his counterpart at Leeds, Peter Ridsdale, while Leicester supporters say they are fed up with the mentality of some Leeds fans who have a history of shouting anti-Asian abuse in a city with a substantial Asian population.

Last week a significant minority of visiting fans shouted: "You're just a town full of Pakis" and also singled out Leicester player Muzzy Izzet, because he plays for Turkey, with chants including, "I'd rather be a Paki than a Turk".

In a statement, Mr Elsom said, "Leicester City does not welcome the racist comments by Leeds United fans.

"City does not want racists in the stadium. Supporters and players should not have to put up with abuse of this nature. We want all supporters to chant and sing non-abusively inside the stadium. Racist behaviour is not acceptable and will not be tolerated.

"City is keen to highlight the fact that racism in football is a problem that can only be tackled by concerted action on all fronts especially from football clubs themselves."

Cliff Ginnetta, chairman of Leicester's supporters' club, said, "I think Leicester City may consider banning Leeds fans. The Leicester public will say if they can't come here and conduct themselves properly, we don't want them here.

"Leeds brought their own stewards down with them so they are obviously trying to do something about it but it doesn't seem to be working.

"I think Leeds fans are quite well known throughout football for this but it is surprising it still goes on and the club are still letting it go on."

Steve Cooke, secretary of the Scottish branch of the Leeds supporters' club, said, "I felt completely ashamed. I've been to many away matches with my children but I've come to the conclusion I'm not taking them anymore.

"There was maybe 30 per cent of Leeds fans joining in the chants. It left me completely and utterly disgusted.

"It seems away games have become breeding grounds for a hate campaign, a place where people go to get rid of their anger."

The chairman of Leeds United supporters' club, Ray Fell, said, "There was some racist abuse of a minority of fans, I must stress, but it is something that is not acceptable. The problem with this is pinning down who is responsible because that can be very difficult in a crowd. But we will take action against anyone we find was involved and there is a helpline at Leeds to call with information."

A police spokeswoman said, "The racist chanting from a group of Leeds supporters was most disappointing.

"Stewards were unable to identify perpetrators to the police, which meant we were not able to effect immediate arrests. Leicestershire Constabulary has already started an investigation including reviewing film footage to identify those responsible.

"Once evidence has been secured police will arrest those responsible and put them before the courts."

In a statement last night, Leeds chairman Peter Ridsdale said, "I totally endorse John Elsom's views. We will not tolerate racism of any kind. We condemn anybody who chants racist abuse."