Police in Bournemouth could request that Leeds United’s Early May Bank Holiday trip to face the Cherries is moved due to the history of the fixture. The match between the two teams at the Vitality Stadium is currently set to take place on Saturday, April 29.
The Premier League fixture announcement was met by worry on the South coast when they noticed the timing of the fixture. It all stems from a Bank Holiday game between Leeds and Bournemouth in 1990 that remains infamous for the behaviour of the travelling supporters having seen their side confirm promotion to the top flight.
The 1-0 win, secured thanks to Lee Chapman’s second-half header, also sent the home side down into the third tier but that wasn’t the worst of the problems in Dorset. The travelling Leeds fans, understood to be around 5,000, were the subject of headlines around the country for all the wrong reasons.
READ MORE: Concerns raised over Leeds United's scheduled trip to Bournemouth as Cherries Trust contact police
Captain Gordon Strachan branded the Whites followers who were involved in the trouble on the South coast ‘morons’ after watching his side secure promotion. The whole episode rather overshadowed what should have been a joyous time for Leeds as a club and as a city.
Because of that, there is a reluctance amongst the people of Bournemouth to play Jesse Marsch’s side at home on a Bank Holiday weekend. A spokeswoman for Dorset police, as per the Daily Echo’s report, said: “As with all AFC Bournemouth games, Dorset Police was consulted about the fixture dates.
“We will assess and monitor how the season progresses and will be able to make a representation to the authorities to change the home fixture against Leeds United in April 2023 if required.
“Each football game is assessed based on current up-to-date intelligence. Information will be shared with AFC Bournemouth as the season progresses and any decision to request a change of fixture date will be jointly agreed with the club.”
