Leeds United Win Court Case Against Police

English league club Leeds United has won its High Court action against West Yorkshire Police over who should pay for policing on match days. 

The Championship side had argued that it was wrong for the force to charge it for policing streets and car parks near its Elland Road ground, saying that this fell within the scope of normal police obligations to maintain public order.

Mr Justice Eady ruled the club should not pay for policing the wider area.

Michael Beloff QC, had told Mr Justice Eady the club was content to pay for services within the stadium and on land owned or controlled by it, but policing on land not owned or controlled by the club did not constitute special police services.

“West Yorkshire Police’s insistence on charging Leeds United Football Club for such policing is illegal,” he said.

He added that the action was “in the nature of a test case” and the footballing and policing worlds hoped the ruling would provide “powerful guidance” on the issue.