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Barrett: Don’t give Leeds any points back

5:18am Friday 18th April 2008

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BLUES captain Adam Barrett does not think Leeds United should be given back any of their deducted 15 points.

The Elland Road outfit were given the penalty by the Football League for allegedly breaking competition rules on insolvency at the start of the season.

But, although a three-man panel is currently reviewing the verdict, Barrett thinks Leeds' appeal should be unsuccessful.

"I don't think you can suddenly change it at this stage of the season," said the centre back.

"If they do change it then it would allow all the others clubs affected to protest.

"The league would have checked everything very thoroughly at the time as well.

"It's not like it was a rash decision like a yellow or red card so I'm not sure what's changed.

"It would be crazy if they changed their minds but whatever happens won't affect us too much."

Leeds are currently sixth in the table, one place and five points below Blues.

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Your Say YourEcho

Berick, Kent says...
6:00am Fri 18 Apr 08

To be honest, I don't think Barrett should stick his nose in here. I does seem like Leeds were harshly treated last summer with the Football League just making things up as they went along becasue of the political storm that came from Leeds following the Leagues own rule of paying Football debts, (but not non-football ones... i.e. the Taxman)

It really doesn't affect Southend. One more point will assure their place in the playoffs, and automatic promotion is highly unlikely. If Leeds get their points back, they'll be in an automatic promotion place, although not assured of finishing there.

Frankly, given how well Leeds have done this year. It's pretty stupid to oppose their getting their points back, because that just means they'll be in the playoffs. Which will just make it harder for Southend to gain promotion through that route.

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andy, mansfield says...
7:17am Fri 18 Apr 08

I agree. Leeds have earned the points that were illegaly deducted and have fought with the league to return them from day one of the season. its only when leeds finally decided as the fl wont listen or go to arbitration that leeds went to the courts and the league have backed down. Any football club in Leeds position would do the same.

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john dolan, perth, australia says...
7:19am Fri 18 Apr 08

i do not think that leeds would be spending their cash on this appeal if they thought they would lose. the fl have got it wrong but are too pig headed to admit to it.

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Shaun, says...
7:27am Fri 18 Apr 08

Why are players and managers commenting on something they haven't read. The argument they should not get point back because it will affect the table at a late stage does not wash. On that principle our jails would be full of people where judgements had been overturned yet it would be unfair to release them as they had been originally found guilty. If the decision was wrong in law the points should be returned. I still don't understand what rule was broken as it only states a CVA is the perferred route of exiting administration. The league are to blame for this situation and heads should role whatever the outcome.

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Boro Pete, Middlesbrough says...
7:38am Fri 18 Apr 08

It would be interesting to see how all these clubs who are bleeting on about Leeds getting their points back would be reacting if they were in that situation themselves. They must've been delighted to see such a big club being handicappped from day one of the season. Leeds were unfairly treated by Mawhinney band of jesters, they deserve their points back!

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Howard, Cumbria says...
7:58am Fri 18 Apr 08

Adam Barrett the club captain should not be getting involved. His priority should be concentrating on football games and helping his squad do the same. Leeds players, manager or coaches will not talk about the subject. Their objective is getting as many points as possible. Players, managers and people moaning wont change a thing.

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phil, denmark says...
8:16am Fri 18 Apr 08

as a lifelong leeds fan it is pleasing to hear fans of other clubs being supportive of leeds' attempt to overturn an injustice. With or without the 15 pts, the won,drawn,lost columns will be unaltered. Other clubs and managers, who likely voted in favour of the points deduction last summer, should concentrate on their own games.

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Barry, Leeds says...
8:56am Fri 18 Apr 08

All you "stupid" football fans and chairman are showing the level of intelligence that is about in football today. I've heard & read all these comments saying Leeds broke the rules and have been punished and the punishment should stand.....(your idiots!!) The real truth of the matter is - Have Leeds broken the rules?? Not should the punishment stand!!! I suggest as is normal in all walks of life, get your facts right before spouting off!!

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Chelmsford Shrimper, Chelmsford says...
9:23am Fri 18 Apr 08

Berick wrote:
To be honest, I don't think Barrett should stick his nose in here. I does seem like Leeds were harshly treated last summer with the Football League just making things up as they went along becasue of the political storm that came from Leeds following the Leagues own rule of paying Football debts, (but not non-football ones... i.e. the Taxman) It really doesn't affect Southend. One more point will assure their place in the playoffs, and automatic promotion is highly unlikely. If Leeds get their points back, they'll be in an automatic promotion place, although not assured of finishing there. Frankly, given how well Leeds have done this year. It's pretty stupid to oppose their getting their points back, because that just means they'll be in the playoffs. Which will just make it harder for Southend to gain promotion through that route.
I'm not sure if God is sticking his nose in, he's probably just been posed the question and has given his opinion.

To be honest all these points deductions, be it Leeds, Bournemouth, Luton or Rotherham, are spoiling the game at the moment, it would be nice if the league chose other punishments to hand out.
I know there's no excuse for bending the rules but football is a sport after all and it would be nice if there was a level playing field.
It only has a slight effect on us anyway, as the table stands we'd be playing Doncaster rather than Forest in the playoffs and some fans may even prefer that.

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Sean, Wales says...
10:25am Fri 18 Apr 08

Anyone who has actually read the whole saga knows 2 things, Leeds United broke no rules and second the 15 points was an arbitrary penalty. The fact that the other clubs in the same league voted to impose the points deduction makes the whole process even more suspect.

The reality is that the Football League wanted to punish Ken Bates, which is fair enough, but actually they punished the club, it's players and staff and the supporters, which certainly isn't fair.

At the same time they devalued the whole league for a season which hasn't benefitted any club because so far only one club has outperformed Leeds United on the pitch. Unless any automatically promoted club gets 15 points more than Leeds they will have cheated their way to promotion. The Football League attempted to rig the competition this year and everyone in football should be ashamed if they agree with that.

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Neil, Bury, Lancs says...
10:33am Fri 18 Apr 08

Well, I have to say, hats off to the Southend fans who have put down their thoughts here. As Leeds fan, we have encountered very few balanced views from other clubs in recent weeks and we were beggining to thing that there was nobody else other than Leeds fans who could see this whole charade for what it was/is.

Leeds have been very unfairly treated and it's looking increasingly likely that we will be re-awarded the points that we won on the football field.

It's re-assuring that intelligent life does exist out there in the football community, it's just a shame that your counterparts in Swansea, Doncaster and Carlisle are not able or willing to be so objective about the situation.

Best of luck to Southend in the Play-offs!

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James, Essex says...
11:01am Fri 18 Apr 08

Have to say I think Leeds were unfairly treated and it's not their fault they have a to55er like Bates running their club.

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Howard, Bradford says...
11:40am Fri 18 Apr 08

What a breath of fresh air! Intelligent fans who understand the real rammifications of what this arbitrary punishment of Leeds could do other teams in the future.

If this unjust punishment is allowed to stand, teams such as Bournemouth, Luton and Rotherham could all face extinction.

Leeds were rightly punished for going into administration at the end of last season. I know that their timing left a nasty taste in some peoples mouths, but if your club was in the same situation, wouldn't you want them to do the same?

Mawhinney's vidictive handing down of the further 15 points is the true injustice, and, if the law is to be seen to be done, Leeds should expect to see them all returned. And Mawhinney and his cronies should do us all a favour and resign.

Thank's Ridsdale, after all this is all your fault. But then again you're not to blame for Cardiff's current plight, are you?

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Tinnus Pottus, Southern England says...
12:03pm Fri 18 Apr 08

To all you Shrimpers posting comments above, good sports to a man, I salute you. All true points and as others have written a pleasure to read after so much unintelligent ignorance from some other fans who can't see the wood for the trees... until it happens to their club.

Good luck to you all folks, I wish you all the best for this league and the one above it when you go up, as you deserve to do.

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Cityboy, Southend says...
12:26pm Fri 18 Apr 08

They should definately be deducted even more points for appealing if they lose!Typical northern losers.Rules are rules.Take it like a man.Next stop the Conference eh;-)

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Don Fletcher, Castleford, West Yorkshire says...
12:42pm Fri 18 Apr 08

When will people stop jumping on the bandwagon and look at the reality of the situation.
Ken Bates, as well as any other responsible Chairman/C.E.O., would not go to the lengths and considerable cost to fight the 15 point reduction if they didn't have a chance of succeeding.
The constant stalling by the Football League have made the fight for promotion a farce as clubs are unsure of getting automatic promotion or the play-offs.
On saying that, all the clubs involved have known all season that Leeds have been trying to reclaim the 15 points and therefore should have catered for it.
Finally, there is no point clubs saying that they will object because it has been clearly reported that this arbitration is the FINAL judgement and there can be no more appeals, which has been accepted by Leeds United.
To wait until next month for a decision, which is when the play-offs should be, just goes to show how irresponsible and farcical the Football League have acted.

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Paul Clark, Southend says...
12:52pm Fri 18 Apr 08

As with everyone, Adam Barratt is entitled to voice his view. That everyone might not agree with what he says is irrelevant - saying that he should just concentrate on Southend and our games is co##lers, whether he is captain or not. Are you saying that as his view is different to yours that he shouldn't raise it ? It's called debate. Leeds probably will get something back. What should have happened is that the league should simply have taken 10 points off of Leeds this season and not last.

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Damian Goddard, says...
12:58pm Fri 18 Apr 08

they are not rules it was a black-mail decision u southern scum. We got deducted the points when we went into administation last year. No bother we hopefully wont need them. You southern muppets obviously dont know **** all - so sit the **** down!!! MOT

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MOT - WACCOE, Leeds United says...
1:05pm Fri 18 Apr 08

Dear Cityboy, you a clearly a Leeds hater and a cretin who has no idea why the points were taken off us, I cant be bothered to explain... all the information is available to read on 100's of website who have reported the story. I suggest you use the internet for something constructive before posting anymore of your horse muck, and making yourself and your fellow "southernerS" look even more stupid!

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Howard, Bradford says...
1:23pm Fri 18 Apr 08

Damian It's d*ck heads like you that give us Leeds and other fans a bad name.

These are all valied points (apart from Cityboy) who I suspect goes to the same remedial school as you. By the way, is it teacher training day today?

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Shrimper-Boy, East Black says...
1:52pm Fri 18 Apr 08

Hope the FA get this farcial situation sorted out soon, its making the league look like pathetic!!.

At this point in time, hopefully it won't effect the Shrimpers too much , but if I was in Carlisle's position, one minute thinking we was going up on an atuomatic, then suddenly found ourselves in the play-off's i would completely nuts!!!

Whats happened to Leeds is a big lession to all clubs with dodgy chairman. Leeds were a big club and i'm sure your'll be joining the Shrimpers in the premiership one day!!
I'm personally looking forward to the day the Chelski balloon goes up!!! then we'll see some serious crying in the prawn sandwiches!!!

The The Shrimpers!!!!

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David Saville, Nottingham says...
1:59pm Fri 18 Apr 08

If Leeds get their points back, and finish in the automatic positions, then thats where they deserve to be. I, on a personal note would be glad, as it means we will avoid Forest in the semis( Want them in the final)

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Joe, Leeds says...
2:12pm Fri 18 Apr 08

Just wanted to say it is good to hear that most football fans have some sense, it seems none of the managers and chairmen commenting have any idea why we have had the points taken off. Thanks for all the support, and wish you luck in the playoffs...so we can put 4 past you again next season :p

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Suvvern Guv, Reading says...
2:15pm Fri 18 Apr 08

If the Arbitratin panel decides that the 15 point penalty imposed on Leeds United was unfair then the only correct decision would be to reinstate them, late in the day or not. The FL are the ones that have allowed it to take this long so they should bear the responsibility for that.

However, assuming the points are reinstated, as the penalty was put to the other members of the FL to vote upon, all the chairmen who voted in favour of keeping the penalty were effectively doing so out of self-interest rather than out of a sense of justice. This is tantamount to cheating. Would it then be logical to impose a penalty, say 5 pts, on all the teams who voted for the 15 pt penalty to stand?

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stand up, west stand says...
2:40pm Fri 18 Apr 08

u cant blame fans and players who think it should be upheld, im all for fair play, but do two wrongs make a right? I fully appreciate how harsh it is to have a points deduction, but there are many leeds fans who wouldnt care if it was happening to another club. and if they were in the automatic spot they would be gloating. point is ur in the play offs least u started the season with a deduction, luton and bournemouth havent been out of the relegation zone since there deduction and do u honestly expect your promotion rivals to actually WANT to see leeds given points. u deserve it and u can abuse people who believe u deserve it but i hope every side who still have to play leeds play even better knowing ur trying to con the league, i know ud be laughing at our club if it was hapening to us enjoy league 1 up the shrimpers.

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ABisalegend, Saafend says...
5:24pm Fri 18 Apr 08

Personally, I think that the deduction should stand as LUFC deliberately manipulated the rules to their advantage and that is WRONG. IF they are given back, I would give them a 15 pt headstart nxt yr

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ron, cornwall says...
6:09pm Fri 18 Apr 08

Adam Barrett is a pratt as well as a no good footballer who isnt good enough for leeds reserves,

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Rich, Southend says...
6:35pm Fri 18 Apr 08

Bye Ron from Cornwall! - you is a no good commentator who couldn't even comment in a free paper! Ooooh aaaarh ...

I am not sure whether the deduction is fair or not (as most Leeds fans have put that most other fans do not know the issues inside out) however I do know that this took ages to be decided upon and is still rumbling on towards the end of the season. In the same way that football is becoming too corporate it is now becoming too political. Lets get back to nice uncomplicated football please FL ....

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Russ, southend says...
11:36pm Fri 18 Apr 08

ron wrote:
Adam Barrett is a pratt as well as a no good footballer who isnt good enough for leeds reserves,
your a prat mate you wouldnt even deserve a player like barrett you wouldnt know a good player if it hit you in the face and leeds do deserve the point deduction isnt it a little unfair on the other teams if they get their points back bunch of cheats.

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stand up, southend says...
2:57pm Sat 19 Apr 08

Russ wrote:
ron wrote:
Adam Barrett is a pratt as well as a no good footballer who isnt good enough for leeds reserves,
your a prat mate you wouldnt even deserve a player like barrett you wouldnt know a good player if it hit you in the face and leeds do deserve the point deduction isnt it a little unfair on the other teams if they get their points back bunch of cheats.
what a fooking ****, you should be supporting yeovil u inbred. barrett? didnt he score against leeds away and put in a man of the match performance against leeds at the hall. ps what has this got to do with southend or do all u leeds fans think we give a ****. get over it u cry babies jesus!

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Adam Barrett - is ready for the start of the new season Adam Barrett

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