Leeds United close Elland Road stadium over security threat

Leeds United have been forced to close their Elland Road Stadium after being alerted to a security threat.

On Friday morning West Yorkshire Police alerted Leeds United that a threat had been made against the club.

According to The Athletic, police officers are now carrying out inspections around Elland Road following a threat made on social media.

Although it is currently the international break and Elland Road is quieter than it usually would be, Leeds still had to take drastic action when alerted by the authorities.

The club released the following statement:

"Leeds United’s offices, ticket office, Foundation offices and club shop at Elland Road will be closed until further notice on the advice of the police.

"We apologise for any inconvenience and we will inform the public when normal service resumes."

This is not the first time this season that a Premier League club has been alerted to security risks by police.

In January, directors and board members at Everton were advised to stay away from Goodison Park for a league match against Southampton following a string of poor results.

The Toffees said the officials were instructed to stay away following "malicious and unacceptably threatening correspondence received by the club and increasing incidents of anti-social behaviour - including targeted physical aggression – at recent home matches."

Leeds find themselves in a precarious position in the Premier League table having only just avoided relegation last season.

The Yorkshire side sit just two points above the relegation zone having won just six of their 27 matches this season.

Last month Jesse Marsch was sacked as manager, less than a year after he replaced the much-loved Marcelo Bielsa.

Former Watford and Valencia boss Javi Gracia came in as his replacement and has won two of his four league matches in charge.

Leed's first game after the international break is a daunting trip to Premier League leaders Arsenal on Saturday, April 1st.