Protest against Leeds owner Cellino lights up Elland Road

LONDON: A Leeds fans’ group campaigned against controversial owner Massimo Cellino by projecting a series of protest images against the Elland Road stands during Monday’s 0-0 draw against Middlesbrough.

Cellino has infuriated Leeds supporters during his turbulent two-year reign and a series of managerial sackings, on-field disappointments and off-field controversies have convinced protest group ‘Time To Go Massimo’ to step up its campaign calling for the outspoken Italian to sell.

Just days after making headlines with a poster outside the ground, the group took its campaign up a notch by beaming messages calling for Cellino to leave onto the East Stand before, during and after the Championship fixture.

The images, which included slogans “17 reasons why its time to go” and “we were here before you and still will be after you’ve gone”, were projected from a car park outside the stadium.

Despite the imaginative stunt, Leeds played their best football in weeks in the first half and hit the bar through Middlesbrough defender Ritchie de Laet’s attempt to clear in the first half.

Middlesbrough goalkeeper Dimi Konstantopoulos somehow clawed away a Souleymane Doukara header, but Steve Evans’ side couldn’t get the win despite Ben Gibson’s late sending off.

Leeds remain in lower midtable, while Middlesbrough stay second after missing the chance to move above second tier leaders Hull. – AFP