Leeds United Pre-Season Training Camp
Leeds United is set to embark on their pre-season training camp in Germany, yet once again, fans have been asked to refrain from traveling to support the team. This year’s retreat, planned by head coach Daniel Farke, serves as a vital phase for the squad’s preparation ahead of their upcoming Premier League season starting next month. The camp will span a week and is expected to include two friendly matches, following an earlier scheduled game against Manchester United in Stockholm that will allow fan attendance.
Fan Attendance Restrictions
Initially, there was hope among Leeds supporters that they would have the opportunity to attend matches this summer, especially after missing out last year. However, authorities have once again prohibited fan attendance, compelling the club to hold its events behind closed doors.
This unfortunate turn of events can be traced back to a meeting held on January 23 with Angus Kinnear, the club’s former chief executive. During that session with the supporters’ advisory board, Kinnear expressed confidence that pre-season activities would welcome fans, and a forthcoming fixture announcement was anticipated.
Nevertheless, a statement from the club on June 27 outlined the grim reality: the police and local government officials in Germany had decided against allowing fans at the matches.
In a frustrating twist, despite prior arrangements and commitments regarding match venues and opponents, Leeds was informed that they could not provide live updates or video streams from the camp either, directly impacting fans’ engagement.
Security Concerns
The reasons are rooted in security concerns. According to guidelines from the Central Information Office for Sports Operations (ZIS) in coordination with the German Football Association (DFB), each international friendly match is assessed based on various security criteria. If any stipulations are not met, such as the requirement for crowd segregation or adequate local policing resources, matches may be forced to exclude spectators.
Pascal Pettinato, a chief inspector with police in North Rhine-Westphalia, explained that numerous factors come into play when making these evaluations. The police focus not only on the anticipated crowds from visiting clubs but also on the local teams’ fan behaviors. He acknowledged that logistical challenges may arise during the summer months, especially given the increased strain on local law enforcement resources.
Historical Context
Previously, last summer, Leeds faced a similar situation when fan attendance was denied due to police concerns over resource allocation following UEFA Euro 2024. With no tournament taking place this year, the expectation had been that the situation would differ.
Interestingly, Leeds has historically held training camps in towns like Harsewinkel, yet they remain mum on their exact location this year. Amidst ongoing debates, reports suggest that potential friendlies were arranged against teams from Germany’s top leagues, capable of accommodating significant crowds under normal circumstances where supporter segregation would typically be ensured.
Despite the club’s insistence that plans for a match in Rostock had never materialized – a city far removed from their training base – the ongoing dialogue emphasizes the police’s meticulous scrutiny regarding the presence of fans. Leeds has documented their friendly history since 2017, arguing for their peaceful fan behavior internationally and has offered to send their own stewards to help monitor fan activity, a gesture that the police clarified would not influence their assessments.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the delicate balance of ensuring safety while fostering fan engagement remains a complex issue as Leeds United prepares for another season. With the ongoing restrictions, both the club and its supporters are left to navigate this challenging landscape together, hoping for a resolution in future engagements.
