Leeds Trust launches #StayAway campaign as games return

Leeds United Supporters’ Trust (LUST) has launched its #StayAway campaign with former players, NHS staff and notable Leeds United fans encouraging supporters to do their bit in the continued fight against COVID-19.

In the first of several videos launched on their Twitter account, The Athletic’s Leeds United correspondent Phil Hay and former player Vinnie Jones hammer home the “do the right thing” message.

“We’re lucky to count a number of ex-players and famous Leeds United fans on our books as members of the Trust, so we asked them if they’d be willing to help us encourage supporters to stay at home during games for others’ safety as well as their own,” said Adam Willerton from LUST.

It’s important that we all #StayAway from Elland Road as we go into these vital remaining games. #RespectOurNorman#ProtectPromotion pic.twitter.com/VEPkoRiEYM

— LUFC Trust (@lufctrust) June 13, 2020

Adam continued: “Thankfully, everybody we asked was really receptive to the idea and more than happy to record videos. For us, getting well-respected individuals on board was key to giving the message more weight.

“Vinnie is a long standing member of our Trust. He’s always engaged in what we’re doing and never seems to let us down when we need help. We were delighted that he got involved with our Stay At Home campaign because let’s be honest, you wouldn’t want to get on his bad side.

“We know how difficult staying away from grounds while matches are being played could end up being, but we owe it to our incredible frontline workers and those most vulnerable to the virus to keep our communities safe.”

Former-Leeds legend Norman Hunter died in April of COVID-19, with fans leaving tributes outside Elland Road at the foot of the Billy Bremner statue, himself a former teammate (pictured above).

There will be further video messages released in the coming weeks around key fixtures, which you’ll be able to find on the LUST Twitter feed.

• For more information about the Leeds United Supporters’ Trust, visit their website.