A billionaire director of Leeds United and a senior figure at 49ers Enterprises has moved to distance himself from the Ibrox club from the NFL-backed ownership group while publicly expressing his admiration for Celtic.
California-based Australian businessman Pete Lowe has given a rare interview outlining Leeds United’s long-term vision, including the club’s plans to significantly expand Elland Road.
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Lowe is a lifelong Yorkshire supporter, joining the club in 2021 as part of the 49ers Corporate Takeover and is one of the Lowe Family Group’s largest investors.
Although he grew up following Leeds United in Australia, he admits he also has a soft spot for Celtic. He even traveled to Celtic Park last season with Leeds United legend Eddie Gray to watch the Champions League group stage match against RB Leipzig.
Lowe said the atmosphere of the European nights at Celtic Park left a lasting impression on him, saying it was the type of environment he hopes Leeds can eventually replicate.
His comments came after Leeds City Council approved proposals to increase Elland Road’s seating capacity from 37,645 to around 53,000 seats.
Lowe was asked on the BBC’s Don’t Go To Bed Just Yet podcast about Leeds United chairman Parag Marat resigning as Rangers deputy chairman.
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The move comes just two days before UEFA’s deadline for clubs to comply with its multi-club ownership rules.
When asked about the situation, Roy smiled and replied: “Probably nothing. Sorry. I like to answer questions. I’m not a Rangers investor, I’m not involved in Rangers – I have nothing to do with it other than I’m Celtic. When you see Eddie [Gray] Sit with me…
Celtic’s Nicolas Kuhn celebrates his team’s second goal during the Champions League match between Celtic and Leipzig at Celtic Park on November 5, 2024 (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
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“That’s not why I didn’t invest, it just didn’t suit me. It was one of the best nights I’ve ever had, actually. Eddie and I went to Celtic Park during the Euros last season.”
“I think they played Leipzig. If you want to imagine what can be done in a stadium, imagine where you can take the club, then that stadium is spectacular, the noise there, the people, the commitment and if we can get some of that up to the level we have at Elland Road we will do really well.”
“In my opinion, Parag is a very good executive who knows how to spend his time.”
“Let our fans know that their investment in Rangers has no bearing on what Parager has done at Leeds and the job he has done for us.”
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