Leeds United fans crash ticket site

Leeds United has been forced to close its online booking system after being inundated by fans trying to buy tickets for the League One play-offs.

According to the Yorkshire club, for the second day running fans wanting tickets for next week's home leg against Carlisle have bought the servers of its ticketing partner to a halt.

Software4Sport, part of Computer Software Group, provides booking systems for football clubs including Liverpool, Glasgow Celtic, Manchester City and Leeds United.
Leeds claims that Software4Sport has never experienced such demand before and said that while improvements are being made the service will be suspended.

The club said: "Demand like this has never been experienced by them before, including their clients Liverpool, Newcastle and Rangers. Improvements are being made, however in an attempt to reduce the fustration of our fans this service will be withdrawn. We apologise for the inconvenience that is beyond our control."

Leeds said tickets are now limited for the game and remain available only at the ticket office counters or by calling 0871 334 1992.

In Hitwise's report for the week ending 19 April, Leedsunited.com was ranked the third most-visited popular football club website in the behind Champions League semi-finalists Liverpool and Manchester United.

More than 35,000 Leeds United fans recently signed a 10 Downing Steet e-petition calling on the Prime Minister to reverse a 15-point penalty imposed on the club. However, the petition, which closed on Tuesday, is unlikely to bear fruition after an arbitration panel ruled the penalty was lawful last week.

www.leedsunited.com