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Leeds fined over Championship title-winning celebrations at Derby

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Leeds have been handed a fine of £20,000 for their mode of conduct during their celebrations at Derby after winning the Championship.

Leeds had already sealed promotion to the Premier League for the first time in 16 years but won 3-1 at Derby in July to ensure they would finish top.

After the game, the Whites took to the pitch in wild-celebrations that involved players throwing lightning flares all over.

In a period where excessive celebrations are not allowed at the moment, Leeds appeared to have breached those rules.

The Football Association said the on-pitch celebrations broke its rule about behaving “in an orderly fashion”.

At the end of that match the Leeds players and support staff celebrated exuberantly on the pitch.

A statement quoted by Yahoo Sports via the Independent Regulatory Commission read:

“The charge against Leeds contrary to FA Rule E20 arises out of conduct during those celebrations.”

“The charge is that the Leeds ‘players and/or officials used pyrotechnics devices and in doing so the club failed to ensure that its players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion’.”

It later added: “The facts which give rise to the charge are captured in a two minute video clip which we have watched.”

“24 seconds into the clip yellow smoke is seen. It is coming from two smoke pyrotechnics. At least one of those appears to have been lit by one of the players shortly before.”

Finally, Leeds got their verdict.

“In light of the above, the appropriate starting point is, in our view, a financial penalty of £30,000. Taking into account the mitigation we reduce that to a fine of £20,000.”

“We warn the club as to the consequences of any further failure to control its players and/or officials.”

Marcelo Bielsa and company face a tough opening day clash. Leeds will take on reigning champions Liverpool to kick-start their 2020/21 Premier League campaign.

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