Jeff Stelling makes claim about Leeds fans after loss

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Jeff Stelling has told Soccer Saturday (broadcast on Sky Sports; 18/12; 13:31) that he found Leeds United fans continually singing Marching on Together at 7-0 down against Manchester City emotional, labelling them proper football supporters.

It has been a tough week for everyone associated with Marcelo Bielsa’s side. They were given reason for encouragement at the start when only a couple of clumsy challenges denied them a positive result at Chelsea.

Unfortunately, any optimism gained from that performance has evaporated almost entirely. Leeds were beaten 7-0 at the Etihad Stadium. And they have now followed that with another heavy loss, with Arsenal winning at Elland Road on Saturday.

For many sides, 14 goals conceded in three games would provide more than enough reason for the stands to voice their displeasure. However, the large majority of Leeds fans have stuck by the team.

‘I thought it was emotional’

Of course, injuries have simply decimated the squad. Nevertheless, the fans are yet to give up on Bielsa’s men. In fact, many neutrals noted that it was only Leeds supporters that could be heard singing when City were 7-0 ahead in midweek.

And shortly before the Arsenal clash, Stelling wanted to make a point of lauding the Leeds fans for their efforts against City.

“I just want to say one thing about the 7-0 at Manchester City, Leeds United fans, they sang non-stop, 90 minutes. At 7-0, they are singing Marching on Together,” he told Soccer Saturday.

“They were belting it out. And oh my goodness, it was brilliant. I thought it was emotional to hear them still belting that out at 7-0 down. And a lot of fans, they’d have been heading for the exits trying to miss the traffic. But Leeds United supporters were there supporting their team like proper football fans.”

Leeds fans have crucial role to play as Bielsa’s men battle relegation

It has been a nightmare run for Leeds. And you could understand if many supporters are simply writing off the Boxing Day clash with Liverpool.

As things stand, it is hard to argue with those who fear that relegation is on the cards. Certainly, their luck with injury cannot get much worse. They probably have fewer players available than most clubs seeing games postponed right now.

But the fans clearly know that they have a role to play. The atmosphere they are creating is going to have an impact in those moments when Leeds are knocking on the door.