THOUSANDS of North-East based Leeds United supporters could miss out on seeing the club's crucial Champions League qualifier next week.

ITV has decided on a live broadcast of Arsenal's Champions League home game next Wednesday against Lyon.

But Anderlecht versus Leeds, which may see the British club go through to the quarter finals, will be only be shown in Yorkshire.

Fans living outside the county can only see the game on ON-digital or cable channels.

Kim Rowling, of the Darlington and District branch of the Leeds United Supporters' Club, said: "Like many others, I don't think I will be able to watch this game.

"There will always be winners and losers with things like this, but it does not seem fair."

ITV said it had been a "tough call" to choose the Arsenal game in what was a no-win situation.

Spokesman Paul Tyrell said: "We just feel that the Arsenal tie is a much more crucial game for them.

"I accept that there are Leeds fans living all over the country and we apologise to them if they are not going to see their game immediately.

"We will, though, be carrying extensive highlights of the match after the news."