MPs issue new call for Leeds United to axe Myanmar trip

Leeds’s Labour MPs – Rachel Reeves, Hilary Benn, Richard Burgon, Fabian Hamilton and Alex Sobel – have written to United owner Andrea Radrizzani to express their concern over the trip.

Myanmar’s governing regime has been accused of the ethnic cleansing of Rohingya Muslims, including rape and slaughter.

Shadow sports minister Dr Rosena Allin-Khan, Amnesty International and some Leeds fans have also urged the club to cancel the tour.

Leeds West MP Ms Reeves said: “Almost 700,000 people have been forced to flee the Myanmar government’s brutal regime of terror and violence.

“Thousands of people have been killed and the human rights situation continues to deteriorate drastically.

“If Leeds United play in Myanmar, they will be sending a message that they are effectively endorsing the government’s actions and delivering them a propaganda coup.

“The club has a moral responsibility to consider its actions very carefully and listen to the concerns from organisations like the Leeds United Supporters’ Trust and Amnesty International UK.

“The management at Leeds United should urgently rethink their decision and cancel plans to tour Myanmar as a matter of urgency.”

United are due to play an All-Star XI in Yangon on May 9 and Myanmar’s national team in Mandalay on May 11.

Radrizzani, who has business interests in south-east Asia, insists the trip will have a positive impact.