Another appeal on cards if decision is for Leeds

DONCASTER will “consider all options” after an independent tribunal has ruled on the validity of a 15-point penalty imposed on Leeds by the Football League.

An arbitration hearing got underway behind closed doors yesterday in London with Leeds’ lawyers attempting to show the League acted outside their jurisdiction when docking the points at the start of this season.

The tribunal could last for up to three days and while the ruling was initially expected to be made public before Saturday, it is now anticipated it will be announced early next week.

If the sanction, imposed as punishment for allegedly breaking competition rules on insolvency, is overturned and Leeds are given all their points back, the consequences in Coca-Cola League One could be far-reaching.

Leeds would be thrust into the second automatic promotion place at the expense of Carlisle with three games remaining, while several other clubs who could be affected also face an anxious wait for the verdict.

Doncaster are still chasing automatic promotion themselves and may be forced to settle for the lottery of the play-offs if the three-man tribunal rules in Leeds’ favour.

Doncaster chief executive Dave Morris warned yesterday: “If Leeds are given all 15 points back we would have to look at the situation, as all the other clubs who have a chance of promotion will do.

“Leeds agreed not to appeal against the 15-point deduction, but have gone ahead and done it.”

Leeds currently lie sixth in League One, occupying the final play-off spot, four points better off than nearest challengers Walsall.