LONDON: Leeds United have denied a report that they were considering an alcohol ban on fans at Elland Road.

The club issued a statement making their position clear after a story that one Leeds director, Salem Patel, had proposed an alcohol ban to reflect the Muslim beliefs of owners GFH Capital, the Dubai-based subsidiary of a Bahraini Islamic investment bank.

Denying this, Leeds managing director David Haigh said: “The board has never discussed banning alcohol and has no plans to change the current licensing arrangements at Elland Road. Enjoying a pint before and after watching the match is a time-honoured Yorkshire tradition as indeed it is among many British football fans.

“Equally the club will continue to offer a selection of wines and other alcoholic drinks to our corporate guests.”

Last month Leeds agreed a six-year deal with Heineken to supply bitter, lager and cider to Elland Road.

GFH bought control of the Championship [second division] club from one-time Chelsea owner Ken Bates four days before last Christmas. Bates had stayed on as chairman until he was abruptly sacked last month.

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