Petition set up in protest against new Leeds United club badge

UPDATE: The petition has now passed 30,000 signatures

Expat supporter Steve Barrett, who lives in Australia, has already collected over 17,000 signatures on the Change.org site.

He is petitioning owner Andrea Radrizzani to 'Stop LUFC from implementing the 'Leeds Salute' crest' and has a target of 25,000 names after exceeding its original target of 10,000.

"It makes a mockery of Leeds United and the club's history. It is alienating the fans. It is has to go," said Steve.

To sign the petition, visit https://www.change.org/p/andrea-radrizzani-stop-lufc-from-implementing-the-leeds-salute-crestMore than 10,000 people connected to Leeds United were consulted in the process through digital surveys, one-on-one and group interviews and meetings with legends, current players, club staff, the owner, partners and representatives from the Leeds and Yorkshire communities.

Angus Kinnear, Leeds United managing director, said:

“In the past year we have worked very hard as a club to re-engage fans and the wider community across Leeds. We have seen season ticket sales soar and gates have regularly exceeded 32,000 at Elland Road – we are very grateful for the loyal and unwavering support we have received. “Once we heard that there was a desire for change to help herald a new era for club, it became of primary importance that the new crest clearly reflected who we are. Everybody knows how proud and passionate the Leeds United fans are, but since I arrived at the club, I have been in awe at the unique connection between the fans and the team.

“Updating the crest is not a decision we have taken lightly, but we are proud to have a new crest that is authentic to Leeds United and honours the quality and loyalty of our fans. It is a symbol of ‘strength in unity’ and a proud expression of the club’s identity and history.”

The crest will be featured on the 2018/19 season kit onwards.