Leeds United supporters have launched a petition calling for the FA to issue an apology to the family of former manager Don Revie
Leeds United supporters have launched a petition calling for the FA to issue an apology to the family of former manager Don Revie.
Fans are backing the call from Chris Evans, Revie’s biographer and Labour MP for Islwyn in South Wales, who claims the Leeds legend was a victim of cancel culture, decades before the term was coined.
The FA hit Revie with a 10-year ban when he quit England for the United Arab Emirates in 1977 and, although the ban was overturned in the High Court, he did not work in England again before his death in 1989 at the age of 61.
‘Looking through today’s footballing prism, Don Revie was a footballing colossus,’ said Clive Miers, vice chair of Leeds United Supporters Network (LUSN).
‘Not only did he have immense success as a player and manager, but he undoubtedly laid the groundwork for many successful players and managers that have followed.
Revie (second left – pictured as England manager in 1976) was hit with a 10-year ban when he quit England for the United Arab Emirates in 1977
‘In many respects, he is the father of the modern game, and it is hoped that the FA recognise the vexatious and vindictive actions of their predecessors have done immeasurable harm to his reputation, to his family and indeed English football.
‘We would urge everybody who appreciates football and its history to sign the petition.’
Evans has twice written to the FA’s interim chairman Peter McCormick on the subject. His first letter received an emailed reply from the public affairs department, mistakenly referring to the former Leeds and England boss as Sir Don.
Revie did receive an OBE after leading Leeds to their first league title in 1969, but he did not receive a knighthood.
Leeds fans say the legend was a victim of cancel culture, decades before the term was coined
Revie – with Jack Charlton (left), Billy Bremner and Paul Reaney (far right) – won the FA Cup at Leeds in 1972
Evans wrote back, accusing the FA of failing to take the matter seriously. Again, the response was a short email from public affairs rather than a personal reply from McCormick, apologising for the previous error but making it clear they would not consider an apology.
Leeds fans have since taken up the case with the online petition.
‘The petition will highlight the depth of feeling,’ said the LUSN.
‘Although it is too late for the FA to apologise to him personally we are seeking for them to issue a sincere apology to his surviving family so that he can be remembered for the outstanding contribution he gave to professional football in the UK and overseas.’
The petition for The Football Association to apologise to Don Revie’s family can be found HERE.
