Massimo Cellino: Leeds United owner allowed to watch game

Massimo Cellino completed his takeover of three-time English champions Leeds in April 2014

Banned Leeds United owner Massimo Cellino has been given permission by the Football League to attend the Championship club's final match of the season against Rotherham on Saturday.

Cellino was told to stay away from the club until the end of the season after being found guilty of tax evasion.

"He has been given permission to attend as a spectator," a Football League spokesman told BBC Sport.

But the club said it was unsure whether the Italian would be at Elland Road.

"The only person who knows if he is coming is him," the Leeds spokesman added.

Cellino has not been officially involved at the Yorkshire club since he was barred by the Football League in March.

Some Whites supporters have turned against the former Cagliari owner recently, as head coach Neil Redfearn's position at Elland Road appeared under threat.

Redfearn's side lost five matches in a row - slipping to 16th in the Championship table - after his assistant Steve Thompson lost his job without warning on 2 April.

Neil Redfearn said he was considering his position after the suspension of assistant Steve Thompson

Fans chanted their support for Redfearn - and their discontent with Cellino - during Saturday's 2-1 win at Yorkshire rivals Sheffield Wednesday.

And the Leeds United Supporters Trust, which has about 9,000 members, believes home fans will make their dissatisfaction towards Cellino known at the game against Rotherham this weekend.

"It is a matter for Mr Cellino whether he attends his first game for four months," said LUST spokesman Michael Green.

"From the Trust's perspective, regardless of whether he does or doesn't turn up, we hope he listens to the fans as they articulate their clear support for Neil Redfearn, stability, keeping our young talent and Leeds United."

Redfearn's contract expires at the end of the season and it is uncertain whether his deal will be renewed under the club's current regime.

The club's former academy boss has also had to contend with the sudden withdrawal of six players ahead of the defeat at Charlton through injury.

David Hockaday, Cellino's first appointment as Leeds manager, was sacked after six matches, while replacement Darko Milanic left after just 32 days.