Leeds United defended the club’s decision for the players to parade the Championship trophy in an open-top bus at Elland Road after thousands of fans ignored pleas not to gather at the stadium.

Marcelo Bielsa’s side had already sealed promotion back to the Premier League for the first time in 16 years as champions prior to Wednesday’s 4-0 home win against Charlton.

Leeds owner Andrea Radrizzani and managing director Angus Kinnear had appealed before the game for Leeds fans to help in the fight against coronavirus by staying at home.