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Massimo Cellino enforces Leeds United fixture-change protest

Massimo Cellino announces that Leeds United will only take up the minimum 2,000 away allocation for Championship matches in protest to multiple fixture changes.

Leeds United owner Massimo Cellino has called on the Football League to stop "exploiting" the club by chopping and changing their fixture times so that matches can be shown on television.

So far this season, 13 of Leeds's matches have been altered from their original start time, 10 for TV coverage on Sky Sports, and Cellino said in a statement that the knock-on effect with attendances dwindling was hurting the club financially.

He outlined his plans for a protest which will see Leeds only take up the minimum away allocation of 2,000 for each game on the road, even though the club often take far more than that to grounds all over the country.

Last season the club averaged a league-high away attendance of 2,774 per game.

"Our players need the passion and support of their fans at Elland Road – we should have the right to play there in front of our fans at the traditional time," read Cellino's statement.

"We understand the value that Leeds United brings to the Football League, but we should be shown respect for that - we shouldn't be exploited because of it.

"We do not want to challenge the Football League or Sky, we simply want them to listen to us. We have used the correct channels in appealing to the Football League but the issues remain, so we have no choice but to take strong action to protect the future of Leeds United."

Cellino appeared to suggest that Leeds fans boycott away matches entirely, or remain silent at those matches to make a point to the League.

"We understand that this means a number of fans will now be unable to attend certain away games, but this is the sacrifice needed to make the Football League take notice," he added.

"We are encouraging you, as supporters, to think before purchasing ticket for away matches – our silence, especially away from home, will demonstrate our disappointment."

According to the Yorkshire Evening Post, the Whites' trip to Huddersfield Town on November 7, a local derby in which Leeds would usually take around 4,000 fans, will be the first time that the club exercise their right to offer only 2,000 tickets to travelling supporters.

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Sam Byram of Leeds United during the Sky Bet Championship match between Yeovil Town and Leeds United at Huish Park on February 08, 2014
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