Leeds are clamping down on troublemakers in the east stand by making it members only.

A group of supporters have been persistently standing up during matches and goading visiting fans and United are concerned that if the situation continues they will have to pay increased police charges to prevent trouble developing.

"We are doing this in the full knowledge that it could lead to a reduction in attendances but it is a necessary step to try and improve the overall conduct," said the club in a statement.

Meanwhile, United chairman Ken Bates appears to face an uphill task to convince Leeds Council to allow him to go ahead with ambitious Chelsea Village-style developments at Elland Road.

Bates wants to build two hotels together with a shopping arcade, a new club megastore, a rooftop restaurant, a health club, United museum and tourist centre.

But the council, who lost a considerable amount of money when the club went into administration, own most of the land around the venue and have already taken back a major car-parking concession next to the ground.

They are sounding doubtful about Bates' plans, with a spokesman saying: "Our over-riding priority is to ensure the best possible deal for council tax payers."

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