THEY STILL HUNT WITH SPEARS IN WEST YORKSHIRE

Last updated : 13 March 2005 By Editor

From The Sunday Times:

Alan Smith has been told that he is effectively banned from Elland Road until further notice. Smith had hoped to play in Lucas Radebe’s testimonial on May 2, but organisers have been advised by police not to invite the former Leeds United striker to take part, as his appearance may prompt reprisals from some home supporters still smarting from his £7m move to Manchester United last summer.

David Share, chairman of the committee arranging the Leeds XI versus International XI match, said: ‘"If we want to put the game on, we have to do it with the co-operation of the police and we have been in discussion with them regarding security.

"Alan Smith would love to play but it would not be prudent soon after moving to Manchester United. He is very disappointed but it's a fact of life that we have not been able to invite certain players back."

Radebe - who will donate the proceeds of the game on May 2 to charity - is upset by the decision.