Petition - The FA to apologise to the family of Don Revie
January 28, 2022
Don Revie had a unique, brilliant, and inventive footballing brain, winning multiple honours and creating a team that not only dominated English football for over a decade, but was feared throughout Europe. A Footballer and Manager of the Year, an England player and manager, few, if any match his record. Indeed, without Don Revie, many of the innovative aspects of the modern game would not exist.
Yet his reputation was tainted by certain members of the Football Association who intrigued, interfered, and intimidated him as England Manager leading to his eventual resignation. Don Revie was certainly way ahead of his time, but the FA was fifty years behind, in a bygone age, culturally and professionally.
Instead of being lauded in the pantheon of footballing greats for his achievements and revolutionary ideas, the FA continued a vendetta to the detriment of Don and his family, the legacy of which persists today
At the Leeds United Supporters Network (LUSN), we welcome the efforts of Chris Evans MP, who through his book ‘Don Revie the Biography’ drew attention to the underhand tactics of the FA and has spearheaded the campaign to obtain an apology for Don Revie's family.
This petition will highlight the depth of feeling, not only amongst Leeds United Supporters, but throughout the wider footballing world, that history should be written by those that achieve, not by those who administer.
Clive Miers, Vice Chair of Leeds United Supporters Network, commented,
‘Looking through today's footballing prism, Don Revie was a footballing colossus; Not only did he have immense success as a player and manager, but he undoubtedly laid the groundwork for many successful players and managers that have followed. In many respects he is the father of the modern game, and it is hoped that the FA recognise that the vexatious and vindictive actions of their predecessors have done immeasurable harm to his reputation, to his family and indeed English football. We would urge everybody who appreciates football and its history to sign the petition’.
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
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
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
