FRUSTRATED Ipswich Town fans have questioned why Leeds United have not been punished for the pitch invasion that left hundreds of innocent supporters terrified for their safety.

By Derek Davis

FRUSTRATED Ipswich Town fans have questioned why Leeds United have not been punished for the pitch invasion that left hundreds of innocent supporters terrified for their safety.

The Blues fans were targeted by a mob who stormed the pitch moments before the Championship match at Elland Road was due to finish, with some Town supporters attacked and injured as they left the ground.

With the new season now almost three weeks old Blues fans are left wondering whether Leeds will face any action, although the Football Association insists they are waiting until the League One club have finished their own investigation and to see what action they take against their own supporters.

An FA spokesman said: “The case is still open. We are monitoring what Leeds United are doing about the incident before deciding what action may or may not be taken.”

It is understood Leeds have identified and banned more than 30 of the pitch invaders and further police action could follow. A Leeds United spokesman said: “An investigation is ongoing and we are working closely with the police.

“This could lead to prosecutions and so it would be inappropriate to say anything further.”

Ipswich Town are not allowing the matter to drop, and made moves to try to contact fans affected by the incident.

Six-year-old Town fan Tiannie Downs-Russell, from Sudbury, who was hit by a £2 coin thrown by a Leeds follower and was left extremely upset after witnessing a supporter attacking Billy Clarke on then pitch, was invited to Portman Road and ran out as a mascot in their pre-season friendly with Panathinaikos.

A Blues spokeswoman said: “We are continuing to watch the situation closely.”

Warner Duff, the club's disabled liaison officer, said: “I'm very surprised at the length of time it has taken for something to be done against Leeds United. I hope the FA still take action and it has not been forgotten or brushed aside.

“Just because this is Leeds and are a big club, they should not escape punishment.

Duff was unavoidably caught up in the trouble as he was sat in the disabled area at the front of where Ipswich fans were positioned.

He said: “It was a terrifying situation.

“They should have had more stewards on duty to protect innocent supporters.”

Nigel Cole, vice-chairman of the Ipswich Town Supporters' Club Bury St Edmunds branch, said: “I'm very surprised that four months down the line Leeds have not been punished.

“The least you would expect is that they would have been fined.