Leeds United have reportedly been left stunned after plans emerged that their clash with Derby County could be played 160 miles away in Southampton.
The EFL announced a provisional restart date of June 20 on Sunday evening 'subject to the strict proviso that all safety requirements and government guidance is met'.
And now in a new report by The Telegraph, Mark Roberts, the national lead officer in UKFPU, is understood to have identified the game between the two sides as “high-risk”.
Roberts is believed to have suggested that it be played at Southampton’s St Mary’s Stadium, a move which the report claims has angered both clubs.
Leeds and Derby both declined to comment while Roberts has strongly denied the allegation, but multiple sources have said the plan was put forward, the report goes on to add.
“The suggestions put to us are categorically untrue,” Robers said in a statement issued to The Telegraph.
“Discussions with the English Football League are not as progressed as they are with the Premier League, where we have reached an agreed way forward.
“I am still seeking views from forces about any games they may wish to seek a neutral venue for, and at this time have no definitive list of proposals.
“As such, no discussions have been started with the EFL about any potential neutral venues.”
The issue has also been widely debated over the past week in the Premier League, with top-flight clubs believed to be against it after six games were earmarked to be moved to neutral venues.
Those fixtures set to be moved to neutral venues are: Manchester City vs Liverpool, Manchester City vs Newcastle, Manchester United vs Sheffield United, Newcastle vs Liverpool, Everton vs Liverpool.
Leeds United currently lead West Bromwich Albion by a point in the Championship table with the pair well on course to secure promotion to the Premier League.
The White were scheduled to head to Pride Park on the penultimate weekend of the season in April before the campaign was suspended back in March.
