At least one Indian fan still thinks we’re a big club, even though his local British Consulate disagree.

21 year-old Aravind Subramanian was hoping to make a trip from his home in Chennai (the city formerly known as Madras) to watch a Leeds game at Elland Road. But his visa application was rejected by the city’s British Consulate, because staff there didn't believe he was travelling to watch a team in the third tier of English football! A total insult to our famous and mighty club.

Now Leeds United have launched a campaign to help him, and Chief Executive Shaun Harvey has enlisted the help of local MPs Hilary Benn and John Battle.  Subramanian is studying film making and he told the Football League’s official website "I got a letter rejecting my visa application and their chief reason, unbelievably, was that they didn't find it credible that someone would make such a journey to follow a football club in England's third tier. It has always been my dream to visit Elland Road and attend some actual games and I have recently been working very hard towards achieving this. You can imagine my heartbreak when my visa application was denied”.

And of course, Aravind (known as ‘Sa’ to his mates) denied any suggestions that we’re not famous any more. “Leeds United are one of the biggest clubs in England and they enjoy a large global support, despite having temporarily slipped down the English tables." Meanwhile, a Leeds spokesman said: "We are doing all we can to help him. Hopefully our intervention will help Aravind realise his dream of watching Leeds play at Elland Road”.

A petition has also been organised, to call for Sa to be allowed to come to Elland Road, and you can sign it if you click here.

Photo: Action Images

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