Massimo Cellino "trying to protect" Leeds United with Sky Sports protest

Leeds United owner Massimo Cellino has claimed that he was "trying to protect" the club with his initial refusal to allow Sky Sports staff to enter Elland Road so that they could set up and broadcast tonight's Championship match against Derby County.

After being threatened with a "full range" of Football League sanctions, Leeds "reluctantly" gave Sky access to the stadium five hours before kickoff earlier today.

Cellino's actions are in protest over the number of Leeds matches that are shown on television and have kickoff times changed as a result. Cellino believes that it hurts attendances and can give opponents more rest between games.

In a lengthy statement, which can be read in full here, the Yorkshire club claimed that the League is "bringing their own competition into disrepute by prejudicing Leeds".

Cellino then told The Mirror: "I'm trying to protect the club. I have beautiful people working with me now and beautiful players - not overpaid as before.

"I have to do my job in looking after the club because nobody did it before."

Tonight's match finished 2-2, with Leeds fighting back from a goal down to lead before conceding a late Tom Ince equaliser.