Leeds fans united in promotion belief
Defiant Leeds United fans have backed their heroes to win promotion – despite the failure of the club's points crusade.
An independent tribunal on Thursday upheld the Football League's decision to dock Leeds 15 points over the way they left administration last summer.
If United's appeal had succeeded they would have been promoted automatically ahead of Saturday's sell-out home game against Gillingham.
Fans were disappointed by the tribunal decision – but were adamant that Leeds would now go up via the play-offs.
Leeds will have to battle through home and away semi-final legs to reach the showpiece play-off final at Wembley on May 25.
Leeds United Supporters' Club chairman Ray Fell said: "To have the 15 points back would have been no more than the team deserved. But we have to live with the decision and go to the play-offs.
"If we get promoted at Wembley it will be fantastic. It would be the perfect answer to the League."
Many fans are pledging to voice their anger at the tribunal verdict with sustained anti-Football League chants at Saturday's match.
United chairman Ken Bates has called on the league's chairman, Lord Mawhinney, to resign.
Issuing a rallying cry to supporters, Mr Bates said: "We're going to the play-offs and hopefully we'll get back into the Championship the hard way. We've already done it on merit anyway and now we've got to do it again."
Posted: Friday, May 02, 2008
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