Massimo Cellino: Leeds United chairman 'will not attend games'

Massimo Cellino took over Leeds United in April 2014

Leeds United chairman Massimo Cellino will no longer attend the team's games because of calls for him to leave.

Cellino, who is appealing against a second Football League ban for failing its owners' and directors' test, has agreed in principle to sell the club to supporters' group Leeds Fans United.

He told the club website: "It pains me to make this decision.

"But what I was subjected to at the Blackburn game left me feeling I had no other option but to take a step away."

Leeds lost 2-0 to Blackburn on Thursday to leave them without a win at Elland Road since March.

The following day Cellino, who took over the Championship club in April 2014, announced that he was willing to sell his majority stake to supporters.

The Italian added: "After the time, effort and emotion I have given to the club to try and enable us to move forward, it hurt me a lot to hear the fans singing what they did on Thursday night.

"The fans made it clear they believe I am no longer the best person for this job, and for the first time I am starting to think that they may be correct."

Leeds, who are 19th in the second tier, host Cardiff City on Tuesday.

Cellino's biggest controversies: a timeline

• April 2014: After initially being prevented from buying the club he successfully appeals and becomes the majority owner.

• May 2014: Manager Brian McDermott leaves the club after the end of the season.

• August 2014: His surprise replacement David Hockaday is sacked after just six matches.

• October 2014: Slovenian Darko Milanic is sacked after six games and just 32 days in charge.

• December 2014: Cellino is banned from running the club by the Football League after an Italian court finds him guilty of tax evasion. He appeals against the decision but is unsuccessful.

• March 2015: Cellino's ban is extended from March to the end of the 2014-15 season.

• May 2015: Replaces Neil Redfearn as head coach with former Brentford and Wigan boss Uwe Rosler.

• October 2015: On the same day he sacks Rosler and replaces him with Steve Evans the Italian is banned from running the club by the Football League for a second time. He has submitted his appeal against this decision. It is understood he faces further legal cases in his home country.

• November 2015: Vows to no longer attend matches.