Former Leeds United owner Andrea Radrizzani will not be in attendance at Elland Road as the Whites take on West Ham.
Andrea Radrizzani owned Leeds between 2017 and 2023, and was at the helm as the club returned to the Premier League in 2020.
However, his time at the club ended on a sour note, as Leeds were relegated back to the Championship after a turbulent season which saw Jesse Marsch, Javi Gracia and Sam Allardyce all attempt to save Leeds’ top-flight status.
In a recent interview, Radrizzani claimed that he would return to Elland Road for the first time for Leeds’ crucial clash against West Ham.
However, it has now been revealed that the personal invite issued by Paraag Marathe has been pulled on the eve of the game.
Former Leeds United owner Andrea Radrizzani attends UC Sampdoria v Pisa - Serie B
Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images
Paraag Marathe’s invitation to Andrea Radrizzani cancelled
According to a report by the Daily Mail, Paraag Marathe’s invitation for Radrizzani to watch Leeds’ Premier League clash with West Ham has been cancelled.
The report states that the club was unhappy with the comments that the former Leeds owner had made in his interview with the Mail and decided to withdraw the invitation as a result, meaning Radrizzani will have to wait for his return to Elland Road.
The Daily Mail reports: “The Leeds hierarchy were not pleased with Radrizzani’s decision to reveal details of his return in an exclusive interview with this outlet earlier this month.
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“The invitation for Radrizzani to be in the Director’s Box was made by Paraag Marathe, the Leeds chairman.
“But it was officially withdrawn shortly after the interview went public – with Radrizzani informed that it was unnecessary for him to disclose details of his return and that it would be better for him to turn up at another time.”
Sampdoria co-owner Andrea Radrizzani on the phone.
Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images
Radrizzani return would be an unwelcome distraction for Leeds United fans
Although Radrizzani was the owner who took Leeds back to the top flight, the nature of his departure from the club means he has a mixed legacy at Elland Road.
His final two seasons with Leeds were chaotic, and he lost a significant proportion of the Leeds fanbase with the departure of Marcelo Bielsa, which he now admits is a major regret.
However, reports that Radrizzani attempted to use Elland Road as collateral to fund his purchase of Sampdoria were more damaging to his reputation, burning the last goodwill he had with the fans.
Leeds need all of their focus on the game against West Ham as they fight to retain their top-flight status. Having Radrizzani in the stands, like Banquo’s ghost, would only provide an unwelcome distraction on a crucial night.