This morning the ever-reliable Daily Mail reported that Salem Patel wanted to ban alcohol from Elland Road, but this has already been denied by the club.

According to the Mail, “Salem Patel, the deeply religious head of investment management at GFH, made his views clear at Leeds’ first home match of the season and is believed to have brought up the contentious subject at board meetings.” But the rag went on to say that other members of the board were against any alcohol ban, as were supported by “club grandee” Lady Harewood!

But the club have been quick to issue a statement to make it clear that there are no plans for the owners to inflict their Muslim beliefs onto anyone else. According to David Haigh "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.

And more importantly, the club will be keeping the suits happy, as they will “continue to offer a selection of wines and other alcoholic drinks to our corporate guests." The Mail’s story seems even more ludicrous when we consider that only last month Leeds agreed a six-year deal with Heineken to supply bitter, lager and cider to Elland Road, and that the brewing giant has invested £250,000 in equipment in the stadium's bars to speed up service.

So there’s no need to panic. If you want to pay over the odds for fizzy booze inside the stadium will still be able to do so.

Photo: Action Images

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