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Coronavirus: Leeds United defend open-top bus celebrations outside Elland Road amid fans' fury

One social media user says they were "robbed" of the chance to celebrate properly because they followed advice to stay away.

Leeds United players, on a bus in front of fans outside Elland Road, celebrate the club winning the Sky Bet Championship and their promotion to the Premier League.
Image: Leeds United players celebrate their promotion to the Premier League
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Leeds United bosses have defended holding an open-bus celebration for players as they were crowned Championship title winners.

The football club had urged supporters to stay away from their Elland Road stadium last night ahead of their final match of the season against Charlton.

But regardless, thousands still gathered outside to celebrate the side's promotion to the Premier League.

LEEDS, ENGLAND - JULY 22: Leeds United supporters celebrate as the Leeds United players lift the Sky Bet Championship trophy outside of the stadium in front of their fans following the Sky Bet Championship match between Leeds United and Charlton Athletic at Elland Road on July 22, 2020 in Leeds, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)
Image: Thousands of fans gathered outside Elland Road

Following the match, they were met by players who appeared cheering and waving from an open-top bus.

Some social media users were deeply critical of the move, one tweeting: "Disgusting. 560 new cases of coronavirus today. Bet they all clapped for the NHS too didn't they? Horrible."

Another said they had been "robbed" of the chance to celebrate properly, calling the move "an utter disgrace".

A third added: "I'll back Leeds United til the day I die, but this is poor from the club".

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Meanwhile, another wrote: "I'm a season ticket holder and I'd have given my left leg to have been in the ground tonight, but did what Leeds United said and stayed away, yet they reward those who do what they want and go out on an open top bus."

LEEDS, ENGLAND - JULY 22: The players of Leeds celebrate with the trophy on a bus outside the stadium after the Sky Bet Championship match between Leeds United and Charlton Athletic at Elland Road on July 22, 2020 in Leeds, England. Football Stadiums around Europe remain empty due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in all fixtures being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Image: The club had urged supporters to stay away from Elland Road

Leeds United later released a statement, saying they consulted the council about the move.

The bus was there to "assist dispersal should a crowd congregate at Elland Road", they added, pointing out there was a a "month-long campaign from the club and supporter groups to encourage supporters to stay at home".

"The safety group believed that a brief appearance from the players with the Championship trophy would help to signal an end to proceedings, encouraging fans to head home safely," the club said.

"In challenging circumstances fan safety has always been our priority."