EXCLUSIVE: Police in Leeds theft probe - new owner Cellino calls in cops after secret spy cameras found in Elland Road boardroom... and toilets!



Leeds managing director David Haigh resigned on Friday

Haigh claims he was left with 'no alternative'



Spokesman says it has nothing to do with police investigation

Police have been called in by the new owner of Leeds United, Massimo Cellino, after secret spy cameras were discovered at Elland Road.



In a sensational twist to the convoluted takeover saga at Leeds, West Yorkshire Police have launched a theft investigation, which sources say relates to club funds used to install the cameras.

Sportsmail understands that when controversial new owner Cellino arrived in Leeds on Wednesday to start taking charge of the club, a security sweep found the cameras in the boardroom and the toilets.

New owner: Massimo Cellino, pictured right with Leeds boss Brian McDermott, took over the club this week

Old regime: David Haigh, formerly of GFH, in the stands at Elland Road Cellino called in the police, who spent Wednesday evening and much of Thursday trying to ascertain how the cameras got there, what money was used to pay for them and why anyone would want them installed. ‘He’s clearly not thrilled that these cameras were there and the police are taking those concerns seriously,’ a source told Sportsmail. Italian Cellino, 57, officially became a board member of Leeds on Tuesday after his £35million deal to buy 75 per cent of the club from Bahrain bankers GFH was effectively given the green light last Saturday.

The Football League gave him the all-clear after deeming that a tax-evasion offence in Italy was not due to dishonesty.

It is not known who paid for the cameras to be fitted or where the money came from.

A spokesman for GFH said: ‘We have no comment.’ West Yorkshire Police would provide no detailed information about their investigation.

Head of crime for Leeds, Dep Supt Pat Twiggs, said: ‘We can confirm that police are investigating an allegation of theft relating to Leeds United Football Club following a report made by the club on April 9. Rockstar: Cellino plays guitar with his band Maurilios and used AC/DC's 'Highway to Hell' to describe Leeds Thumbs up: Cellino has made it his 'first priority' to buy back the Championship club's Elland Road stadium

‘Enquiries are at an early stage and we are not in a position to give any further information.’

Cellino has made clear he intends to run Leeds, who host Blackpool today, and that GFH - who retain 25 per cent of the club - and their personnel will be marginalised.



In another twist last night, former GFH employee David Haigh, who had been contracted to become CEO in the Cellino regime, quit as managing director.

Haigh said: ‘Owing to various statements made by and on behalf of the new majority owners of Leeds United, I am left with no alternative than to resign.

‘This is a matter of particular regret to me since I was the person who introduced Eleonora Sport (Cellino’s company) to the club’s owners. I also gave them my full and constant support in the Football League’s lengthy approval process.’

Colourful character: Cellino is the guitar-playing, chain-smoking charmer who kept Leeds from administration