Leeds owner Massimo Cellino blasts the Football League for trying to 'kill' the troubled club after losing his appeal

Mail 20/1/15
By ALEX SHARP
Leeds owner Massimo Cellino has accused the Football League of attempting to 'kill' the beleaguered Championship side.
The Italian had his appeal against being disqualified as a director dismissed on Monday after a Professional Conduct Committee (PCC) rejected Cellino's appeal after deciding his tax evasion conviction in Italy was an offence of dishonesty.
As a result the 58-year-old has to step down as director, cut ties with Leeds and not partake in any significant influence over the club until April 10, when his conviction becomes spent under UK law.
'They cheated. We got there and we were not able to fight,' Cellino told the Sun. 'We did not expect it to be arbitration. We expected a court, where you can challenge and put in your case.
'This was an ambush. It was a three-man panel, all three from the League,' added Cellino. 'The League are trying to hurt the club, that's my only conclusion. The club will not fall apart because I'm stepping away.'
Cellino is evidently furious that he failed the Football League's fit and proper person test in December due to his conviction for tax evasion in Italy:
'They say I am not fit and proper but I have put more than £30million of my own money into this club and I'm not here to make quick money for myself. When I arrived we were more than £55m in debt. Now the debt is £13m, I have cleaned this club.'
In its judgement the PCC stated on Monday: 'We consider that the judge's findings of fact and her description of Mr Cellino's state of mind based on them, is of conduct which would reasonably be considered to be dishonest.
'We therefore conclude that Mr Cellino has been convicted of an offence involving a 'Dishonest Act' within the meaning of the rules, and that he is accordingly subject to a 'Disqualifying Condition'.
'As a result of this decision, Massimo Cellino is disqualified from acting as a 'Relevant Person', as defined by Football League regulations until 10th April 2015.'
In a statement on the Leeds United website, Cellino and the club made a short comment on Monday's decision:
'Mr Cellino would like to thank the fans, sponsors and members of the wider footballing community that have given him overwhelming support, not just since the disqualifying order was issued but since he arrived at the club.
'We are surprised and disappointed by the verdict, however we are continuing to take legal advice.
'We will release further statements in due course.'

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