Thousands sign petitions after Cellino's Football League disqualification

More than 15,000 fans have signed two separate petitions calling on the Football League to "act in the best interests of Leeds United Football Club" and allow the club's Italian owner to remain in post.

This week the authority disqualified Massimo Cellino from owning a club as he failed its Owners' and Directors' Test. The Italian could be forced to sell the club he bought earlier this year, but the club say they are taking legal advice andCellino says he will appeal the ruling.

The petitions claim that Cellino has brought stability to the club, and forcing his removal would cause more harm than good.

The Football League called on the Italian to resign immediately saying he could not own the club until after 18 March 2015, when a conviction is spent under UK law.

The club's supporters' trust has called for stability at Elland Road and clarity from the Football League after a tumultuous period under Cellino.

The Football League says it has no comment to make about the petitions.