LUSN - 2 years on

Jacqui Greethurst • September 8, 2023

Another Successful Year For LUSN

LUSN has now completed its second year and we are pleased to say it is getting stronger. We have added another 12 groups to our membership over the year and have many more showing interest.


Meeting with the Minister of Sport, Stuart Andrew.

Following our original submissions to the consultation on the Fan Engagement White Paper Clive (Vice Chair, LUSN) was invited to a one-hour, one-to-one meeting, with the Minister of Sport to further develop these ideas and to look at how a more bottom-up approach could be introduced. The Minister also viewed LUSN as representatives of the country's independent football groups acknowledging that these groups had been largely ignored previously in the process and by the Football establishment.

 

Working with LUFC

We have built on our positive relationship with Leeds United. We have good relationships with Katie Holmes (Head of Ticketing) and Angus Kinnear (CEO) - even though we don’t always agree with each other. We are pleased that we are not only recognised by them as important partners but have become a ‘go to’ group for consultation on issues. We have had regular meetings where we have been able to put forward the views and ideas from our members as well as rigorous discussions about LUFC plans. We have seen many of these put into practice. The understanding between LUFC and LUSN has improved significantly this season - although not always perfect.

 

Representations to LUFC

The main areas in which we have had extensive discussions with LUFC have been about their plans for the future redevelopment and improvement of the stadium.

 

The concern about a high number of empty seats on match days and ways to address this.


SAB

We are not members of SAB and this was explained by Steve (Chair, LUSN)) in a previous article on our website. We have been able to challenge Leeds thinking on issues that affect our membership from an independent perspective.

 

Media Presence

We have given our views and again have become a ‘go to’ group for many areas of the press. We have a policy of not going to the media with concerns or complaints until we have fully exhausted the channels at LUFC as we feel this has a negative effect on our relationships.


Clive (Vice Chair, LUSN) was interviewed by Katherine Hannah for half an hour on BBC Radio Leeds about the unnecessary increase in Season Ticket Prices. The Club were invited to debate this with him but would not put up a representative.

Clive (Vice Chair, LUSN) had a long meeting with Stuart Rayner, the Chief Football writer of the Yorkshire Post generally about Leeds United and in particular supporters’ involvement in the running of football clubs. An article was subsequently published about their discussions.

 

We have also appeared in articles in the Daily Mail, Leeds Live (Beren Cross), YEP (Graham Smyth) and in several articles/programmes with Adam Pope at BBC Radio Leeds.

 

Other Connections

We have been involved at various levels in other projects and research to ensure our opinions and suggestions are evidenced based where appropriate.


Academia

LUSN has been asked to give evidence to a multi-university research programme into online hate.

 

Other supporters’ groups

We have met with Spurs Trust about tickets, and the operation of the V12 financing system; Brentford Trust about the Golden Share and their fan advisory board; Newcastle about general matters; Glasgow Rangers about the role of the SLO. We have also used our connections to gather a more informal fans’ viewpoint of their club’s organisation and policies.

 

SGSA

We have continued to have good relations with Ken Scott, Chief Inspector of the SGSA.

 

Tickets

Meetings

We have had frequent meetings with Katie Holmes (Head of Ticketing). We have a greater understanding of the difficulties of keeping tens of thousands of supporters happy and trying to ensure a system that is fair. As a democratic group we have been able to gather questions and views and put them to Katie and report back to everyone on the outcome of these meetings.

 

Away ticket prices 

We are pleased that one of our key issues of expensive away tickets has resulted in LUFC actively seeking reciprocal agreements with other EFL clubs to keep the prices down. This is difficult for them as away clubs can usually sell out their away allocation whatever they charge Leeds fans.

 

LUFC Members Forwarding Tickets

Another of our issues was members being able to forward their tickets to other members if for some reason they are unable to attend a match, after purchasing a ticket. This is particularly important to our groups who travel as it means the ticket and transport place can go to someone else rather than be wasted. We were very pleased that Leeds have introduced this for this season.

 

Group Support

Overseas groups  

A number of our groups were able to enjoy excellent weekends in Leeds as a result of the allocation of 30 tickets which we asked for last season. Hospitality has helped with this as well. We have helped overseas groups liaise with the ticket office and have also helped them with other issues - including recruiting members to their groups. 

 

Regular Meetings

We have continued to have regular members (as well as committee) meetings this season and have an interesting range of speakers - even though the meetings are in the evenings - London time. These meetings cover issues that concern groups and also are sharing sessions for good practice which have helped many groups. We are pleased to have welcomed Angus for a (largely) light hearted question and answer session, Beren Cross gave us an insight on being a journalist at Elland Road and Tony Dorigo attended our AGM and gave us a reassurance and information as well as entertaining us with amusing anecdotes of his playing days.

 

Information sharing

The supportive nature of the Network has helped member groups improve their travel to away games, sorted out Elland Rd parking permits and informed of road delays on match days. It has also shared information to help people navigate the auto-renewal system for members and other online/IT based concerns.

 

LUDO support

We recognised 30 years of LUDO by presenting a signed shirt at Elland Rd and putting an article in the programme. A few of our group members were able to support the LUDO dinner dance, where a good time was had by all. 


Issues addressed this year

We always make it clear that we do not want to run our football club but we do want fans to be listened to. We feel that although we have achieved much during 2022/2023  there are some important issues that have not been addressed by LUFC and LUSN together. We will continue to work with LUFC to increase understanding of these issues in a bid to resolving them.

VAR: Leeds United Fans Among Growing Majority Losing Faith in the System

March 30, 2026
The results of the recent Football Supporters' Association (FSA) survey , conducted between February and March 2026, make for stark reading. Over 75% of Premier League supporters do not support VAR, while an overwhelming 91.7% believe it has removed the spontaneous joy of goal celebrations. These findings reinforce what many Leeds United F.C. supporters have been experiencing first-hand throughout the current campaign. For Leeds fans, the debate around VAR is not theoretical — it is deeply personal. Recent fixtures have seen contentious decisions, delays, and moments of uncertainty that have directly impacted results, performances and ultimately the club’s standing in the Premier League. Whether it is decisions not reviewed, inconsistencies in application, or prolonged stoppages disrupting momentum, the sense among supporters is clear: VAR is not delivering fairness, and in many cases, it is doing the opposite. The FSA survey highlights that only a tiny minority of fans believe VAR improves the matchday experience, with many citing delays, confusion, and lack of transparency as key concerns. This is echoed widely across football discourse. Supporters responding to national coverage have voiced frustration, with sentiments such as “it’s taken the emotion out of the game” and “you can’t celebrate a goal properly anymore” becoming increasingly common. These are not isolated views — they represent a growing consensus across the game, including among Leeds supporters both home and away. From a Leeds United perspective, the stakes are even higher. Marginal calls, missed interventions, and inconsistent thresholds have the potential to influence league position, financial outcomes and the long-term trajectory of the club. When supporters see similar incidents judged differently week-to-week, confidence in the system erodes further. The argument that VAR improves accuracy is increasingly overshadowed by the reality that fans do not feel the game is fairer, clearer or more enjoyable. Dean Pearson, Chairman of LUSN, commented on the findings: “These results simply confirm what Leeds United supporters — and fans across the country — have been saying for some time. VAR, in its current form, is failing the game. It’s not just about decisions for or against; it’s about the experience, the emotion, and the integrity of football. When supporters lose trust in what they’re watching, whether in the stadium or at home, something has gone fundamentally wrong.” The message from supporters is clear. While technology has a place in modern football, its current implementation is not working. LUSN supports continued dialogue with governing bodies, the Premier League and the FSA to ensure that the voices of supporters — including those of Leeds United F.C. — are heard loud and clear. Whether that leads to revision, refinement, or a more fundamental rethink, the priority must always be restoring trust, fairness and enjoyment in the game. We would like to thank LUSN members who took the time to participate in the recent Football Supporters' Association (FSA) survey , helping ensure that the voices of Leeds fans were reflected in these important findings. #LUFC #LUSN #MOT #ALAW #VAR #FootballFans #PremierLeague #FSA LUSN Committee Board

LUSN Statement – Savile Chanting vs. Crystal Palace

March 16, 2026
The Leeds United Supporters’ Network (LUSN) strongly condemns the Jimmy Savile chanting heard from sections of the crowd during yesterday’s fixture between Crystal Palace vs Leeds United at Selhurst Park yesterday, Sunday 15th March 2026. Like with previous matches for many seasons, Home or Away, these chants are offensive, harmful and have no place in football or wider society. Beyond the obvious offence caused, the impact of these chants is far deeper. Research and testimony highlighted by LUSN ( see here - https://lusn.co.uk/jimmy-savile-chants ) shows that references to Savile can act as powerful triggers for survivors of sexual abuse, bringing back traumatic memories and causing genuine psychological distress. As charity leader Gabrielle Shaw (CEO of NAPAC ) explained, what may appear to some as “banter” can “hit with the force of a physical blow” for survivors hearing it in a packed stadium or while watching the match at home. We have consistently supported the call for Savile-related chants to be formally recognised within the scope of tragedy chanting legislation. We strongly urge football’s authorities, clubs and supporters — alongside the Football Supporters' Association — to support this effort and implement measures that ensure this abuse is addressed with the seriousness it demands. LUSN Committee Board

LUSN Welcomes Leeds United Reflection and Improved Communication before FA Cup Game

March 6, 2026
The Leeds United Supporters’ Network (LUSN) The Leeds United Supporters Network (LUSN) welcomes the statement issued by Leeds United F.C. ahead of Sunday’s FA Cup fixture with Norwich City F.C. - LINK We appreciate the club acknowledging that greater communication prior to the Manchester City fixture would have helped supporters better understand the circumstances around the pause in play. This recognition reflects a key point raised in our statement earlier this week regarding the role that insufficient communication contributed to confusion inside Elland Road. We also welcome the club’s reflection on several mitigating factors which may have influenced supporters’ reactions, including stadium messaging limitations and the context of previous fixtures. Recognising these elements is an important step toward ensuring situations such as this are better managed and understood in the future. Our full statement outlining our position and concerns can be read here - https://lusn.co.uk/lusn-statement-040326a LUSN looks forward to working more closely with the club, the Leeds United Supporters Trust, and Leeds supporters everywhere to strengthen communication, representation and collaboration, as we collectively strive to restore both the club and its reputation to where we all believe it should be. LUSN Committee Board
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