Leigh Leopards send warning to fans ahead of Super League play-off clash

Leigh Leopards have released a message asking their fans to be the ‘best version of themselves’ ahead of their crucial Super League play-off match.

Salford will host the Leopards tonight in a game that will break the attendance record for a Super League match at the Salford Community Stadium, with well over 8,000 expected to be in attendance.

A significant portion of those fans will be supporting Leigh with the Leopards set to take a strong away support, however, ticketing issues earlier in the week have caused issues.

Leigh prematurely released tickets as opposed to allowing their members priority access which has led to confusion and ultimately fans of each team purchasing tickets in the same blocks, as opposed to standard home and away allocations.

Refunds were issued and attempts to rectify problems were made but it’s clear that there will be fans intermingling with one another tonight for what’s expected to be a tense and tight affair.

As such, Leigh have now shared a message with their fans urging ‘composure in support’ but ultimately warning fans against storming the pitch in event of victory.

The message, penned by club owner Derek Beaumont, has been shared by Leigh Leopards on their social media and club website.

Leigh Leopards fans warned ahead of Super League play-off game

In full, the statement reads: “It’s a massive statement to our players to see the commitment and intent of our fans to sell out our allocation in hours, especially after the initial errors we encountered.

“Further to that, we have immediately sold-out further allocations, but due to difficulties with tickets sold by Salford to season ticket holders, it has caused difficulties in providing an extended area for our demand from fans.

“I understand that fans have purchased in areas that have been available through Salford’s platform and can understand why that would be the case. It’s unfortunate that this hasn’t been able to be rectified by Salford to ensure fans are in separate areas.

“I would like to thank all our fans for their amazing support in numbers. It means so much to the players to have such support behind them. I would like to ask all our fans to be mindful that they represent our club and our brand and to show their utmost respect in doing so.

“Salford are great friends and neighbours of ours and whilst the players will go hard to battle with each other, we must remain composed in our support. The club has worked really hard to attain Grade A status and it would be a real shame for a sanction to undermine that.

“I understand that passion will be high, I am an advocate of that, but I ask that our supporters prevent that from over spilling by entering the pitch should we win.

“It will of course be new territory to us, to reach a semifinal of the Super League, but we must be composed and celebrate from the stands.

“Equally, if it brings down the curtain on our season the players will visit our fans at the sideline. This won’t be possible if there are issues on the pitch.

“It’s our second successful year of reaching the play-offs and our team will give you everything they have to be the best version of themselves.

“Please do the same by showing we have class fans who will support us as the best version of themselves.

“I thank you in anticipation of you doing just that.”