Police count the cost as Leeds decision upheld...but will fans pay in the long run?

As Leeds United celebrated a legal victory, will fans be counting the cost in the future?

On Thursday, the Court of Appeal in London upheld a High Court judgement from last year where Leeds United won a legal battle over who should foot the costs for policing outside the stadium against West Yorkshire Police.

The landmark victory will see Leeds pursue compensation for now unlawful costs incurred for policing, the club having successfully argued that it is police responsibility to ensure law and order on the highways eg the areas surrounding the stadium.

It is understood that WYP will not challenge the ruling any further.

Whilst the club are understandably jubilant, Shaun Harvey paid a glowing tribute to the club's legal team, will the cost be greater in the long-run?

It is worth remembering that WYP effectively reduced the away allocation of two high profile cup ties against Premiership sides this season, the League Cup quarter-final against Chelsea and the FA Cup fourth round against Spurs saw both London club's allocation reduced to just 3000 from around 5000 costing the club revenue.

The police can also meddle with kick-off times and having played Millwall last weekend at 12:30, forthcoming games against Huddersfield and Sheffield Wednesday will also be lunchtime kick-offs.

I can see merit in Leeds legal argument, after all pub landlords and Niteclub owners don't get charged any extra on their rates for the costs sorting out the mayhem in the streets when pissheads pour out if their establishments, however it would not surprise me in the slightest if Plod make life more difficult for us all in the future.

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