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Massimo Cellino has banned Sky Sports from covering Tuesday's game between Leeds and Derby.

United’s controversial owner believes live TV coverage undermines his club’s attendances and commercial income. After weeks of complaints against their live TV appearances and disrupted fixture list, Cellino decided to impose a black-out.

Before leaving for a Christmas break at his home in Miami, the Italian told Elland Road ground staff they must not allow Sky’s production crew into the stadium to set up for the Derby match.

Mirror Sport understands Cellino warned that any staff who disobeyed his order would face disciplinary action for gross misconduct.

(Image: Action Images)

The Sky crew turned up yesterday at Elland Road and were refused entry.

Cellino is already seen as a maverick, but his Sky ban is hugely embarrassing for the Football League.

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It agreed a new four-season contract with Sky in February this year. It was described as the most lucrative in the League’s history and included coverage of the Football League, Capital One Cup and Johnstone’s Paint Trophy.

League officials were last night trying to defuse the row. The game will go ahead. The question remains whether Cellino will relent and allow TV cameras into the ground to avoid a breach of contract.

(Image: PA)

A Football League spokesman said: “The League has been made aware that Sky personnel have been unable to access Elland Road today as previously arranged.

“We have contacted Leeds United to remind the club of its obligations to our broadcast partner and to ask them for their observations.

“As yet, we have not received a response from anyone in authority at the club, but are hopeful that the matter can be resolved swiftly once the club does engage.”

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Cellino complains that Leeds are shown live more than any other Championship club. Sky Sports dispute this. So far this season they have only shown three live matches from Elland Road.

Leeds would normally receive a fee of £100,000 for having the game transmitted live on a Tuesday. The fee is increased to £120,000 for a Thursday night match and £110,000 for a Sunday game as compensation for loss of attendance revenues.

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