League Championship side Leeds United fans plan to stage a "mass walk-out at Elland Road during Saturday’s home game against Hull City" in protest at Owner Massimo Cellino. The Italian businessman, who "recently reneged on a deal to sell his majority stake in the club to the supporters’ group Leeds Fans United," has "infuriated fans further still" by increasing ticket prices in the South Stand without warning. Supporters in the stand have been "forced to pay for food and drink whether they want it or not" because of a £5 ($7.57) increase on their matchday ticket, which can be redeemed at the catering kiosks. Members of fans' group South Stand SS5 have organized a walkout from the stadium in the 17th minute for a 17-minute period in protest at the price hike, dubbed the "pie tax" by fans, and at Cellino's "outrageous" running of the club. Cellino has "previously stated his superstitious dislike of the number 17" (PA, 12/3). ... Man City officials are offering "free tattoo removal for supporters inked with the old design." The club crest is "due to be redrawn to bring the club into line with other outfits in the City Football Group," all of whom display a circular design, rather than the shield-and-eagle construction introduced in '97. To a "small minority of fans, the beauty of the current design is literally skin-deep, however, meaning that their tattoos will be outdated." City will offer those fans free laser removal (LONDON TIMES, 12/3).
