Leeds United owner Massimo Cellino claims family has been abused by fans

Leeds United owner Massimo Cellino has claimed that his wife and daughter were forced to leave the city to avoid being verbally abused by supporters.

The Italian businessman said that his family relocated to London after being targeted by disgruntled supporters who no longer want him at the club.

Cellino, who recently served a three-month ownership ban imposed by the Football League in relation to his tax conviction in Italy, has been criticised over his indecision regarding the future of manager Neil Redfearn.

"It was bad what they did to my daughter," Cellino told reporters. "She was at university in Leeds with my wife, but now they're moving to London because of disrespect from the fans. 'Your father is a cheating c-word. Your father is a mother...'

"She said, 'I'm not staying here anymore. I can't even walk in the street.'

"So what should I do? Sell the club to someone who wants to come here? Or should I keep Neil Redfearn so the fans will be happy and my wife can walk here?"

Redfearn, who has the option to return to his post as head of the Leeds academy in the event of his managerial contract being terminated, is said to have had no contact with Cellino since the Italian returned to office.