Major Leeds United announcement could now ‘backfire’ as politician sends Elland Road warning

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It’s always testing being a Leeds United fan. Right now, it’s as challenging as ever, following a 2-2 draw with Swansea City over the weekend.

Although not a defeat, it certainly feels like one. Daniel Farke watched on as his side twice threw away the lead, twice allowing Alan Sheehan’s side to come back into the game as Leeds United drew 2-2 with Swansea City on Saturday.

Once again, goalkeeper Illan Meslier is at the centre of blame. Meslier made a blunder for the first goal and could’ve done a lot better for the second, with Leeds United fans desperate to see Meslier axed for the final run in.

The draw has allowed Sheffield United to leapfrog Leeds and move into 1st place of the Championship table, now two points ahead of Leeds in 2nd who are level on points with Burnley in 3rd.

And to make matters just that bit worse, Leeds United recently announced price hikes to season tickets for the 2025/26 season. Adult season tickets rise by 14% at the base rate, with the cheapest adult season ticket rising from £434 to £495: a move which hasn’t impressed Lord John Mann at all.

• READ MORE: Burnley manager Scott Parker reacts as Leeds United drop points in Championship promotion race

Lord John Mann critical of Leeds United owners after season ticket price increase

Chairman of the Leeds United Supporters Club and member of the House of Lords, Mann is devoted to getting the best for Leeds United fans. Needless to say, he’s critical of the season ticket price hikes, mainly because Leeds are now facing the possibility of spending another season playing in the Championship.

Mann argues that Premier League football would justify price hikes, telling Leeds Live: “People would be a bit annoyed if we’re in the Championship, but if we get promoted… most people were expecting this. It’s what people would anticipate. There will be a big difference if we were in the Premier League in terms of people’s expectation [for ticket prices]. Fans presume we should be in the Premier League.

“If the club starts to dwindle away because we are not promoted, and are stuck in the Championship, then people will be more discerning. Some of the decisions will start to backfire, especially if we don’t have young kids going in and we have empty seats.”

• READ MORE: ‘Jury is out’… David Prutton really isn’t impressed after hearing what Daniel Farke now wants to do at Leeds United

Price of a Premier League season ticket in 2024/25

Mann is spot on with his argument. People come to expect rising prices these days but if the price of a Leeds United season ticket was to be justified with Premier League football then there wouldn’t be too much of an issue.

Though it’s not entirely the 49ers’ fault. They’ve come to expect promotion because Leeds have been so good up until recently, and so much of the blame should lie with Farke and the players for simply underachieving of late.

But £495 for a Leeds season ticket would still be relatively competitive if it was to be a Premier League season ticket…

Leeds are back in action away at 23rd place Luton Town on Saturday afternoon.