Leeds United falls into the red

Leeds United have slumped into the red after the absence of European Champions League football this season took its toll.

The company revealed an interim pre-tax loss of £13.8m (€22.3m), compared with a previous profit of £100,000 (€162,000).

The club was also hit by expensive player purchases, such as the £11m (€18m) signing of Robbie Fowler.

Turnover dipped to £38.3m (€62m) from £41m (€66m).

The company will not pay a dividend.