Loads of Leeds United fans have been reacting on social media after Liam Cooper shared a rallying cry to the Whites’ fanbase over the coronavirus pandemic.
Cooper has insisted that everyone is in the crisis together and that those in fortunate positions must come together as one to help wherever possible, after one supporter thanked the United first-team for their generosity in voluntarily deferring their wages so that all non-playing staff are paid in full.
Marcelo Bielsa, his coaching staff and the club’s senior management have also volunteered to defer their pay for the foreseeable future, while Chief Executive Angus Kinnear and Rob Smyth, the General Manager at Elland Road, have joined Holbeck Together in donating food and essential items to those in need.
All in this together Peter! Every single one of us. We are in a fortunate position and that allows us to help in any way possible.. Just stay safe and Save Lives.. MOT https://t.co/v3UeTawyuN
— Liam Cooper 💙💛 (@LiamCooper__) April 4, 2020
Not all sides in England have followed suit in deferring pay, though, with Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle, Bournemouth and Norwich all using the government’s job retention scheme to pay 80% of their non-playing staff’s wages after placing some or all members on furlough.
The decision taken by some Premier League clubs saw Health Secretary Matt Hancock urge more sides to “play their part” and make sacrifices at a time when they can make a contribution to helping those less fortunate.
The Professional Footballers’ Association are at war with the top-flight over the suggestion of a 30% pay cut proposal, though, with the body feeling it would be “detrimental to our NHS” if the tax those wages generate was no longer available.
Here are some of the messages share as fans reacted to Cooper’s post…
Seriously makes me so proud to be a Leeds fan, they get it, they’re together and act as one club. Big love captain coops! 💛💙💛💙 https://t.co/XHbMzy9Jbr
— Alfie O’Sullivan (@AlfieOSulliivan) April 4, 2020
Liam. Well done for giving up so much of your wages and for the charity work you have being doing BEFORE the pressure was out on by government. You were in front of the premiership boys. Football has to come second to this. Top man 👍
— steve botham (@stevebotham5) April 4, 2020
What a group of lads. Outside of football, I can’t remember the last time we had a group of lads like this. Fair play to all of you 👍👏 stay safe and hopefully see you soon
— Jamie (@jamied_1919) April 4, 2020
We are so proud of our team.
You can’t buy what we have now at Leeds United.
Part of the community, connecting with fans and the folks that do ordinary jobs.
Would take our Manager, our players, our Chairman, our support staff and our fans over anything else, anywhere else 👍
— Smalesy (@shez_dictates) April 4, 2020
These players are a credit to the club, shame other clubs aren’t following suit. Can’t buy the spirit we’ve got right now. https://t.co/q80dO05wYz
— J (@J_lufc_3) April 4, 2020
We are in this together #StayHomeSaveLives the #COVID19 virus is spreading very rapidly in London now the capital less then 2 miles from me in East London im standing by you and every single LUFC FAN and follower we need each other now more then anything during #LockdownUK
— 🆕️L.U.F.C💛💙⚽ LONDON FAN 1 ALWAYS LEEDS 100% FAN (@LUFCLONDONFAN1) April 4, 2020
As time unfolds we won’t forget this gesture. And when it is safe and possible to do so go and write yourself into the history of our great football club. The north remembers.
— Tony Walker (@TonywalkerTony) April 4, 2020
courage is more than winning a 50:50; leadership is more than clenched fists when you’re 1-0 down; & becoming club legends is more than winning trophies …. we won’t forget. Thank you to Andrea, Angus, Marcelo,you, the players, the staff. You’ve made us even Prouder to be Leeds
— Smokin Joe (@smokinjofraser) April 4, 2020
At a time when other players, far better paid, by clubs far wealthier than ours posture and pontificate showing themselves up and shaming their fanbase, the pride I have for #LUFC grows by the day.
My club
Your club
Our club.
The club of the people https://t.co/Jn2dWsh0wd
— Bielsa’s Cheese Wedge Ultras (@Allcheese1) April 5, 2020
In other Leeds United news, a prominent Whites pundit has reacted to a close source revealing offers for a young Whites ace.