Leeds United fans bask in glory of Premier League return

Leeds United’s return to the Premier League was confirmed on Easter Monday, sparking huge celebrations across the city.

Thousands of fans gathered outside Elland Road in jubilant scenes shared with players and club staff.

On Tuesday, the BBC spoke to fans who were still basking in the glory of the club’s return to the top flight after a two-year absence.

Among them was Simon Morgan, a Leeds fan of more than 40 years who was still hoarse from Monday’s celebrations.

The 49-year-old likened the occasion to “having my child born again”.

“That’s how it was, absolutely amazing,” he said.

Daniel Farke’s side thrashed Stoke City 6-0 earlier on Monday, with promotion confirmed after Burnley beat Sheffield United in the day’s late kick-off.

Thousands of fans gathered outside Elland Road in anticipation, with many of the city’s bars and pubs packed to the rafters.

Mr Morgan said he “never had any doubt” in Farke after the team suffered play-off heartbreak last year, narrowly missing out on promotion.

“They’re the best team you could ever follow, there’s no other team like it,” he said.

Lifelong Leeds fan Janet Maddison, 51, also celebrated outside the stadium on Monday, describing the the scenes as “epic”.

Noel and Liam Troy travelled to Leeds from Ireland to watch their side, with the brothers returning to the stadium on Tuesday to buy souvenirs.

“To get the score we did was brilliant,” said Noel, 64.

Nino Vella, a Leeds fan since 1974, watched the game at home on TV before heading to Elland Road to celebrate.

The promotion race had caused a difficult couple of months, he said, adding: “You’re always fearful something might happen, but to get promoted with two games left is just ecstasy.

“When those goals went in early, for the first time in a long time we thought it was going to happen.”

He concluded: “They’ve worked so hard, they really deserve it this season.”

In celebration of the promotion, the city council announced Leeds Civic Hall and other buildings would be lit up in Leeds’ white, yellow and blue colours on Tuesday night.

James Lewis, council leader, said: “Leeds United’s return to the Premier League is fantastic news and, on behalf of the council, I want to send our warmest congratulations to everyone at the club.”