Leeds fans question Football League motives after Cellino ban

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Friday 5 December 2014 at 11:52am

A Leeds fans' group has questioned the Football League's motives behind its decision this week to disqualify Massimo Cellino from owning the club.

Cellino has until December 15 to lodge an appeal against the League's decision to ban him under its 'owners' and directors' test', which was announced on Monday.

Leeds United Supporters' Trust claims the League is perceived by the general public to be carrying out "a witch hunt to satisfy bruised egos", while the fans' group has also urged Cellino to be open about any further charges he faces in Italy.

Cellino was convicted in Italy of failing to pay import duty on his yacht Nelie in March Credit: Press Association

Cellino was convicted in Italy of failing to pay import duty on his yacht Neliein March and successfully appealed against the League's decision to block his takeover of the club in April.

The League has since received further evidence from the court in Sardinia,which confirmed Cellino had acted dishonestly, and subsequently deemed the Italian to be unfit to remain as owner.

Cellino will be able to resume as club owner on March 18 next year when his conviction is spent under UK law.

Does it really make sense for the Football League to continue to spend time and resources pursuing the 'Nelie' situation when their best case outcome is a three-month ban from control of the club? Rather than demonstrating a determination to stamp out rogue behaviour it appears to the general public more as a witch-hunt to satisfy their bruised egos.We do not suggest that owners should be allowed to continue unchecked and are not calling for the Football League to ignore potential activity that would disqualify individuals from owning or controlling a club but, some form of common sense has to prevail and the Football League should also consider the effect on their own credibility and member clubs before imposing any actions. After all the Football League has a duty of care to its member clubs.

Cellino has an outstanding charge of embezzlement hanging over him from his time as owner of Cagliari and faces another charge of tax evasion on a second yacht.