Leeds United vs Portsmouth fixture update after postponement claims and policing concerns — YEP 6/8/24
By Joe Donnohue
Leeds United expect Saturday lunchtime's 2024/25
Championship fixture against Portsmouth to go ahead as planned despite
suggestions on social media that fixtures across the English Football League
could be postponed due to policing numbers in the wake of widespread civil
unrest throughout the country.
Demonstrations, protests and general disorder has been
reported across the United Kingdom in recent weeks leading to fears this
weekend's football schedule could be affected due to strained policing
resources.
Leeds United, however, do not anticipate policing issues
ahead of their season opener against Portsmouth this Saturday with a club
spokesperson confirming all officers currently booked for the fixture are still
expected to be on duty at Elland Road and not subject to change at this time.
United hosted their final friendly of this summer's
pre-season schedule last Saturday against Valencia which was attended by just
shy of 33,000 people. At the same time in Leeds City Centre a protest and
counter-protest, comprised of around 400 individuals, took place according to
West Yorkshire Police.
"The event passed off largely without incident with one
arrest being made," a WYP statement said.
"As people were leaving the area, a fight broke out on
Millennium Square between around 10 to 12 males.
"Enquiries are ongoing and police have made a handful
of arrests in connection with the incident.
"Officers would like to thank all those who protested
peacefully and allowed the wider public to go about their business
unaffected."
It is hoped any further planned demonstrations in Leeds
which may clash with the Whites' fixtures will not require the postponement of
games at Elland Road or the re-deployment of officers.
Leeds found itself at the forefront of national news last
month following a large public disturbance in the Harehills region of the city
where a double-decker bus was set alight and videos on social media appeared to
show residents tipping a police car onto its roof.
Community leaders condemned the actions of those involved in
the unrest with efforts since made to understand the root cause of the incident
and better prevent against a repeat.