Leeds United supporters plan protest over club's £5 'pie tax'

Leeds United fans have criticised the £5 'pie tax' at Elland Road and warned the club risks losing the loyalty of supporters.

The Sky Bet Championship side are set to introduce the charge from this month in the South Stand.

Adult ticket prices will rise to £32 including a "meal deal" voucher, regardless of whether fans want food or drink.

A protest has been organised for Saturday's home game against Hull City over Massimo Cellino's ownership. Leeds Supporters' Trust say it is angry that the decision by Mr Cellino was taken without asking them.

Its chairman Michael Green said: "The whole thing has been introduced without any consultation at all and it is the latest manifestation of a club that is completely out of touch with its supporters.

"Sometimes you have got to keep it in the context of an individual act and it may not be on the same scale as some of the bigger issues the club has had to deal with since Massimo Cellino arrived - however, it is one of those things we could have done without.

"The club has an issue of how to keep one of the best supports in the country loyal, because frankly at this moment it does not have a lot going for it. Certainly you do not do it by trying to force through so-called "pie tax" schemes, especially at a time when disillusionment has already set in and the sense of another wasted season looms large."

The South Stand Supporters Group has organised the protest, which will see fans walk out in the 17th minute of the game against the Tigers.

There's a big appetite among fans to protest in this way. It will be peaceful.

John Bond, who is organising the protest, said he and the Leeds United Supporters' Trust had emailed the club on November 18 to discuss the price increase, but the club have not replied.

"We've also contacted the Football League and Trading Standards because we don't think the club are within their rights to do this," he said.

"There's a big appetite among fans to protest in this way. It will be peaceful.

"Maybe the whole ground won't walk out on Saturday, but maybe more will next time."

A spokesperson for the club said: "The club is looking at ways to encourage supporters to use the facilities and catering offerings on match-days. Adult South Stand tickets are now being sold as a package, which includes the advertised standard match ticket plus meal deal voucher.

"The voucher offers a saving on the standard match-day food and drink prices, and to accommodate demand, additional catering units have been identified in the lower concourse and will be designated for serving the voucher-only meal deals.

"This new package only applies to the South Stand, and supporters have the choice to buy tickets elsewhere in the stadium at standard ticket prices."