Leeds United consider taking another view at their new crest after the design has received widespread criticism from fans across the world. The West Yorkshire club state that the new badge celebrates “fans at the heart of our identity” which depicts a Leeds fan displaying the so-called Leeds salute. A lot of fans have started a petition calling for it to be scrapped with supporters taking up Twitter to express their frustrations on the matter.
6 months of research
10,000 people consulted
Ready for the next 100 yearsWatch video ➡️ https://t.co/rIIdL2Yz9F pic.twitter.com/pMrd3zTjCl
— Leeds United (@LUFC) January 24, 2018
The crest consists of the club’s full name along with an image displaying a supporter performing ‘The Leeds United salute’ with a fist to the chest. The Peacocks officially announced the decision under the guidance of owner Andrea Radrizzani’s plan at Elland Road, after consulting a number of supporters group over the design of the badge. However, it has backfired and not gone down well with Leeds fans.
A loyal fan has compared it with a man suffering from heartburn. Ouch!
https://twitter.com/Scott_W88/status/956143308732030976?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.examiner.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fwest-yorkshire-news%2Fleeds-united-unveil-new-badge-14196899
Another supporter could not believe that Leeds United fans were consulted prior to the release of the new crest.
Who did ask? Town fans? Scum fans? Who?? The badge doesn't look iconic at all the one we have now is Leeds United you see it and think Leeds United you see this and see a cheap looking badge https://t.co/E1q2UDR14f
— James (@jimmy_L_UFC) January 24, 2018
Here are some of the reactions from other clubs.
That Leeds United badge! pic.twitter.com/88qCTs1xtP
— DN35 Podcast (@DN35GTFC) January 24, 2018
Are we doing this right? #NOT #FCZ
Watch video ➡️https://t.co/AvWLuzF7W1 pic.twitter.com/SwwoEvYU8S
— FC Zenit in English✨ (@fczenit_en) January 24, 2018
A fan has even stated that it is the worst badge ever!
https://twitter.com/cwhelton/status/956137661365932032?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.examiner.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fwest-yorkshire-news%2Fleeds-united-unveil-new-badge-14196899
https://twitter.com/AndyPantling/status/956136757250191360?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.examiner.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fwest-yorkshire-news%2Fleeds-united-unveil-new-badge-14196899
And some think that a child designed the crest.
https://twitter.com/t406jaw/status/956137165100081152?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.examiner.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fwest-yorkshire-news%2Fleeds-united-unveil-new-badge-14196899
The supporters started a petition against it just hours after the new badge was unveiled and it is being reported that thousands of Leeds fans have already signed a petition. In an interview with BBC Radio Leeds, Leeds managing director, Angus Kinnear claimed the club will now look to discuss it with further supporters before adopting a new badge. Kinnear said, “As we look at the feedback today I think it’s clear that the consultation process that we embarked on, that we were very confident had delivered a result, wasn’t extensive enough,”
“We need to reopen that consultation process very clearly.”
The Peacocks unveiled their badge on Wednesday after six months of research in which thousands of supporters were consulted. Kinnear continued, “I genuinely feel excited about the passion of Leeds fans. It’s slightly unfortunate it’s been demonstrated in this way but it reinforces what a big fanbase we are,”
“Transparency has been at the heart of everything we do. We’re not going to hide. We’re big enough to take the feedback and engage with supporters and they should trust us to do the right thing.”
It’s clear that the fans are taking the power back and their views have now reached the club authorities as they try to get themselves out of this tricky situation. There was a similar situation in 2013 when Everton were forced to redesign their logo when their supporters protested about the removal of the club motto. The beautiful game of football has changed in modern times with the supporters playing a key part on the club’s decisions to implement change. It remains to be seen what lies ahead for the club as they look to change the crest into something more of their fans liking.
