Leeds United pre-season plan outlined as Angus Kinnear addresses Manor Solomon chant
Leeds United will head to Europe for a pre-season training camp ahead of the 2025/26 season, chief executive Angus Kinnear has confirmed.
Minutes from the recent Leeds United Supporters Advisory Board (SAB) meeting have today been published on the club's website, giving insight into the club's plans going into next year.
The document reads: "Pre-season next summer will be in Europe, with matches that fans will be able to attend. A first fixture to be announced in due course, with additional Elland Road fixtures also to be revealed down the line."
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Daniel Farke’s squad travelled to Germany last July as part of their preparations for this season and played two-behind-closed-doors friendlies against Hannover 96 and Schalke 04. United supporters were asked not to travel to follow the team, with the German police citing safety concerns at the heart of their decision.
"Unfortunately, due to circumstances beyond control of the club, we have recently been informed that any friendly matches played in Germany have been ordered to take place behind closed doors," said a club statement.
"We understand that supporters will be frustrated at this news, as we are equally as a club. We have explored all possible avenues - however, it has not been possible to overturn this decision.
"As always, we would like to thank you for your commitment and dedication, but in light of the above, we kindly ask supporters expecting to see Leeds United in pre-season training or matches not to travel to Germany."
A number of topics around the club were also discussed at the SAB meeting, with Kinnear addressing the Manor Solomon terrace chant that has been sung at home and away matches this season. Footage emerged appearing to show a section of the Whites' travelling fans singing an anti-Palestine chant in support of the Israel international during their Boxing Day win at Stoke City. United previously condemned the lyrics of the chant, warning supporters they could be breaking the law over the "unacceptable" tragedy chanting.
When asked about the Solomon chant at the SAB meeting, Kinnear said: "(The) club pick players to represent Leeds United on ability." Per the minutes: "Regarding the chant, the police do not class this chant as a hate crime, but AK outlines procedure for reporting of the chant, which has been condemned by the club.
"The club relies on people to report things via the matchday incident text number or to nearest steward, in order to be able to take swift action. Without CCTV/video evidence it can make it difficult to prove."
The latest Leeds United Supporter Advisory Board meeting took place on January 23. You can read the minutes in full from the meeting here.